#wow she should run for mayor

[monicaalexandraaa]

Love this part!!! I really enjoyed how this was set up to learn more background of the story. Can’t wait for more🩷🩷

The Lottery II

Read The Lottery here | ~4.5k words

From me: There is def some fluctuating in the timeline. This part is mostly from Harry's POV and it suggests 6 years passes but that is more relevant for the next couple parts. There are pieces of this that happen shortly after she moves in and some years later. It might be a little hard to tell, but hopefully it won't ruin the story. I'm mostly establishing more background info in these parts. I feel like the real story doesn't begin till part three or even four.

Warnings: angst and fluff. (A new nickname for her!!!)

Summary: She is unbelievably sweet. Which makes Harry nervous because he knows how easy it would be to fall for her. Which he doesn't want.

But why does she have to be so sweet? It's nearly impossible not to fall for her.

“She opened a bookstore. But s’like a library too. The high schoolers go there t’study. And she helps them,” Harry muttered.

“Well yeah... I would too if I was in high school. I looked her up after you talked about her for an hour. Have you even seenher? You didn’t even mention how pretty she was. Why wouldn’t they go there to study? She’s beautiful, kind, intelligent, beautiful, funny, pretty—”

“Alright I get it,” he grumbled.

Louis was always ready to give Harry a hard time. More specifically he was always ready to remind him not to be so grumpy, but it was easier said than done. Harry was still young, and he shouldn’t have been so frustrated all the time. His twenties were supposed to be fun. But he didn’t feel like having fun anymore. He was much too young to be so jaded, but there he was; green, like a sour apple.

The stupid small town was just a reminder of the heartbreak he suffered on more than one front. People he had known his whole life... from when he was a baby, a child, a teen... it just felt like he was suffocating. He loved his town, he did. But it hurt. It was hard to forget about the hurt when everyone looked at him with pity because they knew. No one spoke too loudly, no one tried to upset him. It was miserable. They were trying to be kind because they knew Harry and they knew what he had been through.

Louis was the only one who tried to piss him off intentionally. When Harry let it slip that there was a new girl in town, he quickly did research and was ready to give Harry a hard time about her as well as every other thing he enjoyed pestering him about. “It’s good for you. Everyone tiptoeing around you is just making you angrier.”

When she argued with him that first day... even though it was trivial—just about pancakes—it was refreshing.

But Harry didn’t want to like her. Because he knew himself quite well. He knew the second he started to like her it was going to be a slippery slope to falling in love with her. How could he not? She was everything Louis said: kind, intelligent, beautiful, funny, and sweet... she was a breath of fresh air and Harry hadn’t had a fresh breath in ages.

No. He couldn’t think like that. Slippery slope.

But when she arrived at the diner the second morning and sat in the same spot at the counter as she did the day before—the spot that people had been avoiding for months because it was much too close to Harry—it softened something in the armor around his heart. The way she smiled in greeting even though he didn’t really return it. She ordered one of each pancake again and even though they argued, Harry knew there was no use fighting it. He was willing to do anything to keep that smile on her pretty face.

But they did still argue. Maybe she was trying to save Harry’s grumpy façade in front of his other customers, the people he had known his whole life. Like she was trying to keep up whatever pretense she didn’t even know he was maintaining. “Are you sure I can’t have one peach and one white chocolate chip pancake?” She asked hopefully. When she asked this time it didn’t have the same flare and attitude as the day before. Probably because she knew that she would get both again.

So why was she keeping it a secret?

“No,” he rolled his eyes. “One or the other.”

“White chocolate chip today then,” she sighed.

And Harry made her one of each because it really wasn’t that big of a deal in the grand scheme of things. He was just mad the day before as he always was... and unfortunately, he took it out on her. It seemed like she didn’t even mind. Given she played like she didn’t notice Harry made one of each the day before was merely solidifying how much he liked her. Even though he wasn’t supposed to.

“She doesn’t tiptoe,” Harry mumbled.

“Of course she doesn’t. She doesn’t know,” Louis reminded him. It was hard talking to Louis about this stuff sometimes. It was over a FaceTime call. Because Louis was smart enough to leave the little town and only come back for visits. He wasn’t tied to the feeling in his chest the way Harry was. In a lot of ways Louis was smart. Smarter than Harry. Maybe a genius even. “But Harry, it’s a small town. She’s going to find out.”

Harry nodded. “Yeah... I know.”

But for a few weeks, it would be nice. Not having someone know everything about him.

“Then you’ll be able to tell her you love her.”

Louis was an idiot. Perhaps the dumbest person he knew.

*

It was a couple weeks later that she reached behind the counter for the little plate stacked with sugar and cream. “Hey,” he scowled. “Don’t do that,” he reached for it smacking her hand lightly out of the way.

“Why, it’s right there?”

“Because y’not supposed to!” It was the same argument they had been having since the second time she sat at the counter after her arrival. The first time she reached for the sugar and cream and was subject to Harry’s glare, she put her hands up defensively and let him put the plate next to her.

It seemed small towns didn’t change all that much. Even with a new person around, Harry wasn’t too surprised he was having the same conversation with her weeks later. “It’s literally right there, Harry.” She rolled her eyes and poured an unhealthy amount of sugar into the mug. He grimaced. “What?” She asked defensively. Apparently, he missed when she dumped an entire week’s worth of sugar into her coffee the day before.

“Do y’want coffee with your sugar?”

“I don’t really like hot coffee but if I don’t drink caffeine, I’ll be miserable for the entire day and ruin everyone else’s day too, so it will do,” she explained. Harry felt bad he didn’t have cold coffee for her. It was in his mind to buy a pitcher later that day and keep it for her specifically in the back fridge. No one else would drink cold coffee so it wouldn’t have to be a thing really.

How was it he was already obsessed with her, and he had only spoken with her for twenty minutes at most within the two days? Most of that short time was spent arguing with her too. It was insane. It was unreasonable. Harry was an idiot. A slippery slope of hopelessness.

Harry found it easier to be angrier. Cold. People asked less of him. He didn’t have to explain himself to anyone. Yeah, they tiptoed, but he didn’t have to talk. She looked like she was a talker. Ad nauseum at that. A person who owned a bookstore probably enjoyed talking and wanted to talk. Probably wanted to talk to the person they liked about everything under the sun.

“Did you see the moon last night?” She asked as he walked by. He shook his head of the thoughts of those first couple of days. They replayed often in his head. He was memorizing those first moments, and he didn’t know why... or if even if his subconscious really knew, he didn’t want the rest of his mind to think about it.

Everything under the moon then. He thought to himself. He blinked. “Yes?” He didn’t remember looking up specifically but surely, he saw it.

“It’s so pretty.”

Harry tilted his head at her. It was just the moon. He didn’t see what was particularly special, but he liked the reverence in her voice. How soft she was. “Yeah,” he nodded in agreement because there was no way he could argue with her when she was talking like that.

“I like the moon a lot,” she explained. Definitely a talker. But instead of hurrying to another table, he found himself rooted to the spot where he stood. Waiting for her to continue. “It’s comforting you know? It’s there all the time, even if you can’t see it some nights. You know it’s going to come back and it’s always so pretty. The crescent in the morning when it’s cold is my favorite. Or when the sun is setting in December and the sky is yellow and moon is too.”

Harry watched her. Wondering what made her say all that seemingly for no reason. Before he could ask why or embarrass himself with a declaration of how much he adored her already, she was getting up after placing her napkin over the plate. “Sorry, I have to run; the plumber is coming to set up the bathroom and backroom,” she slung her bag over her shoulder, tucking her notebook inside of it, and pushing in her stool. Right before she turned she smiled so sweetly at Harry it nearly made him blurt something insane like he loved her. “Have a nice day, Harry. I’ll see you later,” she gave a small wave and hurried out the door.

Harry had an intense desire to buy a telescope. But he knew if (when) he did, he was admitting he was fully fucked.

*

Other than breakfast, she didn’t say much most of the time because she was either reading or scribbling in her notebook. The glimpses Harry did see were a bit of a to-do list. Harry didn’t see her all that often unless she was reaching for sugar and cream over the breakfast counter. The storefront that was going to be her bookshop got a sign later that first week and was hung above the entrance door.

The Open Book.

Harry could never. The half-print, half-cursive lettering splayed on an outline of open pages of a wire novel. He assumed she was inside that very story or maybe unpacking her house still (it had been on her to do list since she arrived). It had to be overwhelming to move to a new house and open a new business.

In the few weeks she’d been there, he overheard everyone talking about her meeting with Sutton and how she got him to agree to giving her a designated parking spot out behind the strip of stores for free (so long as she shoveled her own spot and adhered to the no parking rule in the snow).

She was a hard worker. That was obvious. She chatted when people spoke to her, but she was quiet. She didn’t try to force herself on the town.

There was no denying how perfectly she fit in. Within weeks of opening, it was obvious her business was a success. He wondered if it was hard for her to start anew. How many people in her life doubted her? But she didn’t seem to mind if they did. People raved about her little shop. It was exactly what the town needed, and it was like the town needed her too.

“Hi sweetheart!” Alice cheered as she entered the diner. “Harry, she’s here!”

“Jesus, Alice. Embarrass them both why don’t you?”

Harry felt a twinge of a smile on his lips as he heard her laugh but he kept it to himself by staying in the back by the grill. Silently, he paused what he was doing while he tried to hide the overeagerness to see her. He turned to the fridge to grab the pitcher of cold coffee for her. “Did you make me cold coffee?” She asked when he stood in front of her poised to pour her a cup of her favorite coffee.

Today she was wearing a pair of red leggings beneath her colorful tutu. A shirt with the Crayola logo was across her chest and her eyeshadow was multi-colored across her eyes. “Whoa,” he stared at her for a lot longer than he should have.

“Is it too much?” She frowned glancing down at her outfit. “I sent Bailey a picture and she said I looked a bit ridiculous but we’re reading The Day the Crayons Quit and then we’re going to color with the wrong colors; so, I thought it was fitting,” she sighed. Harry poured the coffee over ice and a smirk twitched at his lips.

“S’cute,” he shrugged.

"Really!?" She said excitedly. "Good, I don't want to scare the kids either," she reached for the cream, and he smacked her hand softly before she grabbed it. She rolled her eyes.

“Hey Harry!” Someone called across the room and he left her without answering her cold coffee question. She frowned at her drink wondering why he did something so nice for her again. The pancakes were sweet, the coffee was even sweeter.

She couldn’t believe it. The whispering around town about Harry and his sour attitude ensued shortly after she arrived.

Any cute guys? Bailey texted her the third day she was there.

One. But he’s kinda grumpy. The town is under the impression that he won’t do anything for anybody.

Hard pass. You need a nice bubbly guy like you.

So why was Harry making her special pancakes and coffee? It didn’t match the grumpy persona that everyone described.

“Peach, y’want a muffin today?” He asked quietly while walking by her counter space. She blinked in surprise as he replaced the coffee pot on the burner to keep it warm. She was so confused and surprised she couldn’t even answer. “Y’deaf today?”

“No... I...” She shook her head. “You called me Peach.”

If she wasn’t watching him so closely, she wouldn’t have seen him still ever so briefly while grabbing the cream and sugar to bring to another table. “Uh...” he shook his head. Was this grumpy man blushing? “Y’jus’ order those pancakes so much so... I jus’ kinda...

“Right,” she cleared her throat. “Um... muffin. Yes. Thank you.”

Today was Wednesday which meant she just wanted a blueberry muffin because she was going to be reading to the kids at story time and even though they adored her, it made her nervous and she didn’t want to be nervous on a full stomach. After several minutes (because Harry was always sure to warm it on the grill with ample butter) he returned to the front and placed an apple alongside her muffin before her.

“D’you need help with y’place or shop?” He asked.

“Help?”

“M’jus’ worried ‘bout the pipes,” he explained. And you having hot water or heat in the winter.

“The pipes,” she repeated.

“Yes.”

“The pipes are fine,” she assured him. “Nothing to worry about, there.”

She didn’t tell him the Hollistons replaced them prior to moving out. “S’jus’ getting colder quickly,” he shrugged. “S’a little harder t’get around without a bunch of plows like a city.”

She nodded. “Right, of course,” she tilted her head as Harry continued. Her multi-colored, shiny eyeshadow sparkled and twinkled almost directly at Harry. “I’ll try to make sure an issue happens prior to the first snowfall.”

He rolled his eyes. “Y’bathroom is all set?” He asked.

“All set.”

“What’s next on your to-do list?”

She sliced her apple a bit at a time, a holdover from when she had braces and worried about the skin getting stuck in her brackets—she stared at Harry as he stood in front of her while she ate her slice in silence. She flipped her notebook open to the most recent to-do list. “The windows at the shop need to be replaced. They’re glued shut with paint. A theme in this town I’m assuming because I have several at home that need to be replaced too.”

“I could look at them for you. If y’want. S’a lot of money t’replace ‘em. Could save y’some money if I can jus’ repair them.”

“Really?”

He shrugged. “Yeah.”

“Well... that would be lovely. Thank you.”

“I’ll come by after work,” he offered and walked away before he asked to marry her or to live with her.

It seemed like he blinked, and suddenly a half hour had gone by. She was no longer in her seat. Harry frowned at the empty spot as he picked up her empty plate but found a note tucked underneath it, a page pulled from her notebook. Her handwriting was pretty, not quite calligraphy, but not quite print. A half-cursive, half-print script. It made him wonder if she designed her shop’s sign on her own.

Thanks for the offer to help! Sorry I had to leave without saying goodbye. Here’s my number, just give me a ten-minute heads-up when you’re coming over! Have a nice day, Harry :) - Peach

*

On the opening day of her shop, she had homemade muffins on display. It must have taken her ages to make them in her oven. Only a dozen at a time. Harry wished she had asked, and he would have lent his oven to her. Or even offered to help her make them. But why would she ask?

Harry rolled his eyes at her pancake order. And the omelet she wanted. It was half (literally half) cheese and half veggies but only if they were cooked separately. Really it was just two small omelets put near one another. When she explained it two more times, she finally drew a picture of two little rectangles in her notebook with arrows pointing to where the ingredients were supposed to go and slid it across the counter to Harry so he could see what she really meant. “Do y’have a thing against mixing your foods, Peach?”

“It tastes better that way.”

Maybe if Harry wasn’t so grumpy he would have found it a little funnier than he did. Maybe he would have even laughed and not snorted the way he did as he headed to the back kitchen. “Lemme guess. Y’eat milk and cereal separately too.”

She laughed. A gorgeous sound. Like a bird call made specifically for Harry. He shouldn’t have thought that way. She didn’t owe anything to him. She was lovely and sweet—a peach. Harry was sour and undeserving of someone so lovely. “Very funny, Harry.”

As lovely as she was, Harry couldn’t imagine going through the kind of heartbreak he would suffer because of her. It seemed inevitable that it would happen. Harry was too guarded, too grumpy. Louis tried to tell him it didn’t have to be that way, but it wasn’t something he could wrap his head around.

*

For the next several years, that was how their lives connected. Harry would make fun of her meal choices; she would try to steal the cream and sugar from behind the counter. The town loved their little businesses.

On Wednesdays and Fridays, she had story hour for the little ones. Harry had seen her dressed up as princesses, a mouse, and even a caterpillar. In the summer, she was sure to stock the shelves with summer reading books. When students had issues with their schoolwork, they checked in with her after school before emailing their teachers. Before major exams she held review groups and by year five, she had so many flashcards and quiz reviews for them that the principal asked if she would just teach. Teachers gave her the test reviews that were done in class.

But her shop was her pride and joy. Finding a book that a non-reader liked was like Christmas for her. Helping gift the perfect book on behalf of someone else was too. Or ordering a book series that she never would have thought of that was suggested by a little one was one of her favorite moments.

It was an amazing business, and it was almost entirely because of her.

The younger kids flocked to her when she walked through town giving her hugs and telling her all about the sticker chart, they were close to filling out (a five-dollar coupon for any book if they read ten age-level books). The older students went to her for dating advice, university application advice, and her shop was one of the most coveted jobs in town.

Honestly, Harry felt jealous he couldn’t work at The Open Book right along with her.

She worked nearly every day. At least popping in to make sure things ran smoothly. Harry knew the way small businesses worked better than anyone. It was nearly impossible to leave them alone. Even when you trusted another person.

Harry remembered the first day he laid eyes on her. The first day he made a fuss about her pancakes, and he had since lost count of how many pancakes he made for her after six years. On her birthday, he stuck a candle in them. Every spring and fall he cleaned her gutters.

He checked her pipes in the winter, even when she wasn’t home to let him in. “Y’shouldn’t leave your house unlocked,” he reprimanded when she entered her own house unphased by his presence.

“Edith or David are always home, they would call if there was a problem,” she shrugged kicking off her shoes and hanging her jacket up on her coatrack.

“Anyone could just walk in, Peach.”

“Exhibit A?” She gestured to him, and he rolled his eyes. “Do you want some water?” She asked, holding a bottle out to him. “You didn’t have to come check; I would call you if there was a problem.”

"I was over this way," he shrugged taking the water bottle from her.

"Do you want to stay? I'm going to order pizza," she yawned. "I'm too tired to cook."

Harry was terrified if he stayed he would never leave. The invitation wasn't that serious but it felt like it was. "M'good."

"Well then it's your fault when I eat an entire pizza on my onw."

He smirked, rolling his eyes. "Y'sure?" He asked.

"I'll even order a salad," she smiled sweetly. "Thank you for looking at the pipes."

"They look like they were replaced."

She shrugged. "Maybe the Holliston's replaced them," she suggested pulling out the pamphlet for the nearby pizza place from the drawer in her kitchen. Harry frowned. He wouldn't need to come check on them in the winter and that kind of saddened him. "I'm a plain person," Harry thought she was anything but plain. "I like cheese pizza. Do you want anything on yours?"

"I like peppers and onions...but y'don't have to--"

"That sounds yummy. I might try a slice," she smiled and dialed on her phone. "Could you look at my bathroom sink? The facet kind of leaks," she explained while skimming over the menu again. "Hi could I place an order for pick up?" She asked and walked toward the living room with a basket of laundry on one hip.

Harry felt it was a little too domestic, but he liked it way more than he could admit.

Louis was going to love it.

*

When it snowed, he shoveled her parking spot and cleared the store front walkway before he cleared his own. She thanked him profusely when he arrived at her house. But she wasn't actually at her house. There were footsteps leading from her own driveway, un-shoveled, because she was next door at Edith and David’s being sweet and kind to the elderly couple with inches of snow on the ground. Harry hurried after her, there to help.

They worked in silence scooping snow out of the way from front step to car and the rest of the driveway. “Where do Alice and Ed live?” She asked him to pause for a short break while shoveling.

“Uh... across town. On Second Street.”

She frowned. “Do they have neighbors to help shovel?” She asked.

“They’ll be fine, Peach.”

“But people over the age of forty-five aren’t supposed to shovel. They could have a heart attack,” she explained, and Harry could hear the worry in her voice for an elderly couple she hardly knew.

Harry sighed, looking at the too sweet girl for her own good. “We can go there next, love,” he assured her.

“We?”

“I can shovel ‘em out myself if y’have something t’do,” he shrugged.

“No... no, it was my idea. But why?”

Harry swallowed feeling an overwhelming amount of emotions pulse through him. Happy, sad, nervous, everything. It was like each one was battling for dominance and he willed tears to stay away from his eyes. He wasn’t going to confess his love to her, he knew that. But it kind of felt like he wanted to.

But was it even love? They never really talked. He knew surface level things about her and knew how lovely she was sure. But was that enough to be in love? Harry wasn’t sure. He didn’t want to love her. It was a terrible idea to love someone in this too small-town.

“Y’jus’ really nice, Peach. I want t’make sure you’re okay. You’re nice t’me. M’not the sunniest person. Y’never seem t’mind,” he explained and continued shoveling as if he hadn’t said anything at all.

She was watching him as he continued, unable to move. “You’re nice too, Harry,” she promised. “I see it in everything you do for this town. All the little things. I know you replace the lightbulbs on the streetlights because Sutton is too lazy to hire someone. I know you donated money to the high school baseball team for new uniforms. I know you love this town quietly even if you don’t want to for whatever reason. I hope you tell me some time.”

He ignored her little rant because if Harry hadn’t spent the last few years building up blockers and blinders to those kinds of sweet things he would have been a mess of tears at her words.

She gave his arm a squeeze when they finished Edith and David’s driveway. “Thanks for helping. Are you sure you want to help with Alice and Ed’s? I could do it myself. I just need a ride since my car is blocked in. We can shovel mine later. If you don’t mind of course.”

He appreciated her not bringing up how he loved the town. “I don’t mind, Peach,” he promised.

She grinned and looked up at the sky. It had stopped snowing a while ago and the sky was bright blue. “Look how pretty the moon is,” she chirped pointing up. Harry nodded, watching her happy smile and astonished eyes like it was the first time she had ever seen the moon.

“Yeah,” he agreed. “It really is.”

--

general taglist: @justlemmeadoreyou @daydreamingofmatilda @sunshinemoonsposts @loving-hazz @likeapplejuicenpeach

@straightontilmornin @freedomfireflies @littlenatilda @kathb59 @babegoals

@angel-upon @lilfreakjez @mleestiles @ameliaalvarez06 @canyonmoondreams

@summertime-pills @daphnesutton @l4rrysh0use @perfectywrong @foreverxholland

@lovrave @st-ev-ie @pandeebearstyles @toosarcastic03 @luvonstyles

@tenaciousperfectionunknown @classychalamet @love-letters-to-uranus @emmaawbr @crossyourpeter

@kissinthekitchen @boopookie @stylesfever @indierockgirrl @michellekstyles

@just-another-reader1098 @hermionelove @tiredinwinter @whimsy-willows @hannah9921

@fangirl7060 @triski73 @vikiii07 @prettygurl-2009 @mads3502

@angeldavis777 @tchlamqtsgf @lizsogolden @me-undiscovered @you-sunshine

@rose-girls-world @claimingharrystigertattoo @inlikea-coolway @theseaview @lunaharrygurl

@emmie2308 @fruity-harry @somebunnybaby

I'm sorry if I missed anyone in the taglist. Please let me know if you'd like to join, if it didn't work, if you no longer want to be included, etc. :)

If you like this, check out my masterlist here

[studentinpursuitofclouds]

very self indulgent but i keep thinking about this scenario and its so silly, may i request a reader who's been somehow isekai'd (basically transported) into stardew and is proper down bad (or in other words; a massive crush) for magnus?

I have to say, I've never been a fan of isekai (not that I don't like it, I've just never been interested in that genre). But it turned out to be a lot of fun to write about this situation. I hope it didn't come out too mixed, it's just my first time writing stories in this genre. Thank you so much for the ask, anon! 😊💕

_________________________________________

You wake up on the grass near some strange bus stop. No one is around, your head is spinning, and you can't remember what happened. Here you were walking home from a boring job late at night to have dinner, go to bed in your small apartment alone and go to work again and so on until retirement. Suddenly - it's all gone dark and now you're standing outside the bus stop.

Hello, anybody here?

"Oh, you must be [Y/n]!" Finally, at least there's someone around, it's getting lonely and- Wait, how does that red-haired woman know your name?

"I'm Robin, local carpenter. Our mayor asked me to meet you and escort you to your new home!"

New what? Alas, before you could even say anything, the mysterious woman took you to an old ruin that she apparently called "your home".

"Ah, our new farmer!" And who's that old fart? Wha- what farmer?

"Nice to meet you! I'm Lewis, the mayor. Your Grandpa probably have told you about your farm back then".

But I don't... Grandpa's farm? You tried to say something, but you were interrupted again.

"Here's your new home! There is a shipping bin nearby, you can sell your farm products. Welcome and go ahead - get to know your new community!" As you stand there in shock, both strangers walk away.

What the fuck, you thought. Why does everyone think I'm the new farmer? And why did those two bring me to an old house with no furniture except a bed and a TV on the floor? No kitchen? And no toilet??? What the hell do you mean parsnip seeds?! Am I supposed to clear this whole farm of rocks and bushes with a rusty pickaxe and a flooded scythe???

You decide not to panic and play up the situation a bit to figure out where you are and how you can get back home, because the whole thing is a huge misunderstanding. At the same time ask around to the locals, what is this area? Stardew Valley? Huh...

"Playing along with the situation" became a bit more difficult, because you had to really learn the basics of growing crops, the local fisherman gave you an old fishing rod for some damn reason, and then on the fifth day of this hell you have no money left even for food and have to pick berries in the forest (wow, what a life!). After entering the Community Centre and getting to know the "apples" creatures you already doubt your own sanity.

The next day you get an mail from.... Ras-mo-di-us? Ok, weird. Asking you to come to his "magic tower". What this locals are smoking in here is a mystery of the universe, definitely. Anyway, you have no choice but to head to that very tower.

Flowers all around, the whole room is foggy, it smells weird, and it's also hot - it looks like some kind of drug den... So where's the weirdo?

"I've been waiting for you, young [Y/n]."

Oh, no, he's hot.

You wanted to slap your head. You're lost, you don't know what's going on or where you are, you're cursing all this farm work, the locals are weird, and this is some suspicious-looking bloke, and your first thought is "oh no, he's hot"? There's definitely some weird drugs in the air...

Look, you tried to keep your voice as calm as possible, I don't think I'm from this universe.

"I know, young fool". The fuck, what now? Well, bring me back!

"Alas, I don't have that kind of magic yet, it takes time and rare resources. For now.... You should be what the people of Pelican Town think you are."

Oh, that's just fantastic!

Running after the crows that ruined your crops, pulling an old can of local cola out of a fishing rod hook, walking with tired hands after cutting down some trees, screaming in the Mines, escaping from slimes and bats, making ingots for necessary machines until night.... And you've got some kind of magic now. A quiet country life, nothing fancy.

Then there's that annoying supermarket, which reminds you painfully of that boring old office job....

Although, the locals here are mostly friendly.... They see that you're uncomfortable in your new community and try to make you feel at home. You really appreciated it, and tried your best for them in return by listening to their stories or giving those leftovers of a successful harvest. Your skills grew, you had already made friends with everyone in the Valley, and even kicked that stupid Joja company out of town. Little funny Junimos, hee-hee!

In particular you became close to Magnus (Rasmodius' first name). Even though it was hard for you to still believe in magic, but his talk about parallel worlds, his fascination with magical plants, his talking, his laugh, his looks (dilf material, oh my!), his kind heart and his pride in new spells and magical protection of the Valley from monsters.... You fell in love with him.

And after some conflicting thoughts about whether you're allowed to fall in love with anyone here if this isn't your world? But you have long been part of this world, part of this cosy and friendly community, part of this incredible and magical world.

All dreamy thoughts were gone when Magnus announced to you in a ringing voice that he'd found a way to get you home.

Home?, you repeated. But I'm already home.

And you just kissed Magnus, the die is cast. If he refuses, if he turns his back on you, it'll be hard for you to bear. But Magnus, oddly enough, returned the kiss.

"Then... The choice is made. I was afraid that... I fell in love with you as well, and that you would have to leave forever. But now... Now..."

He didn't have time to finish, because you kissed him again, more passionately this time.

Insert subtitles, ladies and gentlemen, for here is the happy ending.

[planet-crait]

Episode 4 has the into again. I’m in heaven. I know I mention the theme song a lot but idk just great the instrumental and singing style. I know it’s probably not technically techno swing but it reminds me of that style and I love that style of music lolz.

Hazel and her dad are so cute goofing off together I love it. It sucks her mom is focused on work and not having fun with her husband and daughter, but again I think it’s part of why Hazel got her fairies having a mom that’s not really present. It’s not as bad as Timmy for sure but it’s still rough on a kid to not have one of their parents be there for them as they should be.

Anyways, Hazel spewing out facts during the tour is so cute, she’s so exited to talk about things she knows about. Lolz the tour guide having a beef with a literal child is just ridiculous and hilarious. Rewatching it’s funny Hazel doesn’t know about the ice cream parade, everyone is talking about it.

Of course Hazel would wish for a dinosaur just it’s so perfect for her lolz. I do love how the pig we saw replaced the Dino in the museum since it wasn’t eaten and instead killed by the meteor.

Also everyone panicking about Barry is funny and makes sense. Oh no Cosmo and Wanda uh oh no Barry knows he’ll die uhh this is going to be messy isn’t it lolz. Do they not care about maintaining the timeline or whatever guys come on lolz. How is a Dino getting a job going to go?

Not well apparently. I do like how Wanda is his agent Wanda is someone who won’t take any nonsense so it works well. Can he not roar because he can speak English now? That would make weird magical sense lolz. WOW uh that’s a rough director lolz. Course I don’t get why he decides he hates the museum job because they have things wrong like wouldn’t that make you want to help teach people about the real history? He sure gives up quick on every job but short run time so I get it.

Lolz I wish we had an ice cream parade lolz that sounds good right about now. I have so many questions though like yes he took down a large chunk of powerline but would it really take out the entire city? And even if it did we clearly see the ice cream trucks and they have their own power to keep their ice cream cool so it would be safe in the trucks?? Why does one assistant have to eat all the ice cream? And did we just…kill someone? Via melted ice cream car crash? Uhh….okay.

Uhh wait wait wait how does the mayor know this was Hazels doing? Wanda was more in conversations about Barry then Hazel so I’m kind of lost on how he knew to blame her besides for the laughs which uh isn’t strictly necessary it just feels their to make Hazel feel even worse then she does.

This Dino electricity scene raises more questions, why didn’t he just pick up the power lines to start? Why wait until now? How long does the stone power last? What happens when the rest of the world learns about Dino electricity?

Umm does the mayor have like security cameras watching everyone at all times? No one was their to see Barry start up the power again. Also if the ice cream melted as quick as the episode said it did, doesn’t make sense but whatever, the power going back on wouldn’t fix that all of the ice cream would be gone so the ice cream electrical parade would still be ruined. Clearly the writers haven’t had to save stuff in freezers when the electricity went out.

So…. Barry’s staying in the present? Thats uh. A choice. Won’t this raise like a thousand questions? Or send people like Crocker into a frenzy thinking magic did this? I don’t get how the shows going to justify this short of pretending it didn’t happen later on and if so why bother with all this?

Episode 4 was weaker than episodes 2 and 3 currently for me. The writing goes all over the place and it’s just kind of a weird one for me. But hey Barry was in the intro so I guess I should have seen some episode like this coming lolz. I think all that’s left in the intro is French fries, a ghost and fish boy. We’ll see which comes up next. Onto episode 5!

[book--wyrm]

Pengu Ep 7 liveblog time!!

Oh boy.

Oh we are starting strong with a flashback huh

Oh no we are starting strong with some brotherly jealousy. Two minutes in and I am already leaning towards Oz killing his siblings to monopolize his mom's attention

"Is [Rex's car] made of real gold?" "It's just paint"

Not Jack smarter at 15 than Oz is at 50

NOT THE "PARENT NOT BEING PAID ENOUGH" COMING BACK

Also I was wrong Oz is the middle child it seems.

Oz such a lil cheater lol

Oh my god.

Ohhhh my god. That's almost worse than anything I could have expected.

I should have realized. I should have realized. A single moment of stupid, thoughtless, selfish cruelty is all it takes. And an unwillingness to ever face the reality of what he did.

And this makes his snapping at Vic for the Jack thing so much worse. Jack was the son who got shit done. And Oz killed him.

THE TAPPING AND THE BANGING AND THE TAPPING AND THE BANGING AND I CANNOT DEAL WITH THIS FUCKIGN SHOW OH MY GOD I CANNOT DEAL WITH THIS FUCKING SHOW HOW IS IT SUCH A BANGER EVEN WHEN IT MAKES ME WANNA DIE

Oh shit Vic's here lmao.

Why is there a gap between Sofia nabbing Francis and Sal showing up. Did sofia go it alone. I bet she did.

Fuck the guilt get me results

Love Sofia sending one of her boys to make sure Sal doesn't kill Oz. Sofia doesn't trust Sal, and Sal refutes the idea of Sofia leashing him. In any other show this would telegraph a late episode betrayal between them but with this show i really don't know

Love the scraping noise coming in before the visual

do you feel better ahhhhh

i need more sal and sofia

Sofia why cant you bring me breakfast too. i'll eat a singular toast for u

I love Francis ngl. She's so caustic even in the face of danger.

They didnt' have their umbrellas

Hahaha ngl sofia deserved that

oh my god i legit thought she was gonna brain julian with the kettle lmaoooo i love the way they do diegetic sound design

I kinda hope francis gets to kill julian ngl. i love julian but i just think its what francis deserves

"The Gigante and the Maroni families" not sal putting sofia's name first. this feels too prominent. i am scared

Oh boy oh boy oh boy if this wasn't a penguin show this would feel like a perfect place for Sal to twoface his opponent

Wow is sal dying of a heart attack. Right now? Bro. Timing.

Huh. I see what they're doing, with the stolen valor and the robbed victory. But I wish they'd set up the heart condition earlier.

Oh boy is this where Sofia breaks bad and kills a kiddo. Oh my god wait Gia is in a kid's psychiatric hospital Sofia literally reenacting her own trauma on this preteen she is so full of problems

SOFIA TURNING INTO HER DAD AND ALSO JULIAN HAHAHAHA

THIS IS A GIFT SOFIA BABY YOU NUTCASE

god i am glad she confessed though. like it was in the worst way possible to say that to a child but.

this is the only time we have seen sofia cry. not even when she found alberto.

DR SUBDROP DOING RAVE SHIT

sofia speedrunning self awareness in the penultimate episode

i am slightly afraid again that julian is gonna lobotomize sofia

sofia you were so close baby. you could have just walked away with your boy toy and a bag of cash and gone to metropolis

she should have gotten free wahhhhhhhhhh

we all know it's not gonna happen

we all know its not gonna happen

my heart is fucking palpatating rn

i need to pause my fucking blood pressure

IS SOFIA RUNNING FOR MAYOR. I WANT SOFIA TO RUN FOR MAYOR

AHAHAHHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH

OH MY GOD BOMB SHELTERING IN HIS BROTHERS GRAVES

HAHHAHAAH my prediction of Oz blowing it all to block sofia + sal was the wrong way around oh my god i love her so much

Oh wow. Wooowwwwww. Young Oz really breaking his mother and making her into the woman who makes him a monster.

is it bad i want him to find his brothers skulls down here. is that bad.

boo it didnt happen.

Wow mr cop actually came back huh.

well i was totally off base on everything!!! i am so happy

[countrymusiclover]

2 - Cinderella’s Prince

Princess Red Thief

Part 3

Tag list - just ask to be added @mystrey101 @melvia-ito @kmc1989 @tallrock35

Walking down Main Street I moved my hands around the back of my head finishing off the messy braid I had started doing after I left my apartment this morning. The sun was shining and everyone in the town had seen that in a matter of a few days the clock tower had begun working. I was walking as quickly as I could so when I came around the corner I didn't see someone coming straight for me and we collided onto the concrete. "Urgh! Ow....I'm sorry kid."

"It's okay. Hey you work for Mr. Gold don't you?" Rubbing my head I saw it was the mayor's kid Henry that I had bumped into. He smiled at me with a questionable look.

Getting to my feet I began picking up my work bag and I helped him with his own bag seeing a book sticking out that read ' Once Upon a Time ' on the cover. "Neat book. Fairytales are always great growing up. Again I am sorry for bumping into you. I'm Eve by the way."

"Henry. I am going to see my birth mom Emma. Do you want to come with me?" He smiled, putting his backpack on.

I paused feeling my phone vibrate in my pocket. Pulling it out I saw a text from Gold. "I don't think so, kid. I have work to do...on second thought Mr. Gold says he's heading to see your birth mom. Care to show me where she's staying?"

"Sure she's staying with my school teacher." Henry began quickly running and I chased after him heading to the Blanchard apartment. He knocked on the green door with the right number finding it unlocked so we just stepped inside. "Hey, Emma. I was thinking we-"

"Hey, Henry. How are you?" My boss greeted him.

Henry paused. "Okay?"

"Good. Give my regards to your mother. And, um, good luck, Miss Swan." Gold nodded, walking over to me, opening the door and nodding In my direction. "Ms. Royal, I'll be outside in the hallway waiting."

"I'll see you around Henry." I waved bye to the kid stepping into the hallway.

Henry whispered as I went to shut the door. "Do you know who that is?"

"Yeah, course I do." Emma answered him.

Henry was still confused and I could only assume it was something to do with his book or something. "Who? Cause I'm still trying to figure it out."

'So off to work now?' I shrugged my shoulders standing beside him.

Gold shakes his head no. "We don't have to start work that early. I was thinking I'd buy you breakfast first."

"Oh wow. Well who would say no to that. I accept." I smiled at him looping my arm through his and we headed downstairs in the direction of Granny's. He walked over to the nearest booth sitting across from me. I picked up the menu to read it when I heard a plate shatter, making me turn my head and see the blonde pregnant girl he had recently made a deal with. "Ashley?"

"Mr. Gold..." She gasped running towards the backroom.

I got up to my feet thinking I should talk with her. "I'll be back. I'm going to talk to her."

Walking to the back I found her in the laundry room I saw the blonde rummaging around with the sheets she had cleaned. She jumped, hitting the dryer behind her. "If he's come for the baby. I've decided to keep it."

"Woah, I'm not here for that. I just figured you could use some help before the baby comes." I held up a hand to calm her down.

Ashley parted her lips, sitting the sheets down and coming over to me. "You really want to help me?"

"Yes, I do." I nodded in agreement to her.

She reached for my hand and I touched her shoulder with both my hands feeling that she was tense. Unknown to me she held something behind her back moving her arm hitting me over the head with the lint trap lid. "I'm sorry for this. But I'm changing my life." She apologized, grabbing her car keys and running out of the room before I blacked out on the carpet floor.

Rumple and I were informed that his current deal with Cinderella had some interesting news. But it was all a trap to lock him away. Standing beside my horse I eyed Snow White's prince and the dwarf named Grumpy. I had become close friends with them even though I worked with the Dark One. Turning my head around quickly I heard the slipper Princess's voice coming behind me. "What did you do?"

"Ella, what's wrong?" Charming stopped locking up the cage door.

Grumpy could see she was panicking over something. "Your Highness, what happened?"

"What did you do to my Thomas?" She grabbed the bars of his carriage, holding her husband's abandoned fur cloak in one hand.

Rumpelstiltskin leaned closer to her inside the cage. "I haven't done anything. I case you haven't noticed, I've been otherwise engaged."

Cinderella snapped at him. "Something's happened to him. You know. Tell me!"

"I have no idea, dearie. But I did warn you – all magic comes at a price. Looks like someone has just paid." Rumple

Charming touched the princess on the arm leading her away from the cage. "Don't listen to him. We'll find Thomas."

"No, you won't. Until that debt is paid, until that baby is mine, you're never going to see him again. In this world or the next, Cinderella, I will have that baby." Rumple threatened her shifting his gaze over to me with a faint head nod.

Grumpy had somehow noticed it though. "She must know something. She came with him after all."

"Take her in. What has he done to my Thomas!" Ella stomped up to me grabbing me by my shoulders shouting through tears.

Charming gently pushed her away from me and a guard escorted her somewhere else beside Grumpy. "Everly, do you know anything about what he might have done?"

"No I don't, David. I may help him with his deals and such but I don't know what he's done with her prince." I told him holding onto the clasp of bright red cloak, my hair had two strands pinned back but the rest was loose to the wind.

Cinderella shouted over to us. "Lock her up and question her. She has to know something!"

"Are you really considering it, Charming?" I questioned him hoping he said no.

He paused, clicking his tongue waving some guards come over at his command. "Don't worry it won't be a permanent thing. But we need some answers."

"Charming no. You don't need to do this. I don't know what happened to Thomas. I swear, let go of me!" I began fighting against the guards arms where they dragged me over to the horses.

Charming sent me an apologetic look seeing me get handcuffs enchanted with magic to block my own. "I'm sorry, Red Thief." The guards put me on a horse making me and Rumple be transported into separate prison cells.

Guards escorted me through the long and cold hallways keeping the squid ink cuffs on me to block my powers from making me able to escape. Unfortunately it wasn't like I could release Rumple if I ever got on my own. I got thrown inside the cell and they locked the door, scrambling to my feet. "You can't do this to me. You can't do this. I....I didn't do anything to Thomas!"

I grunted, shoving my hand against the metal door sniffing through some tears that had formed in my eyes. Sliding down onto the cold floor my chest began tightening with me laying my head against the door. "What's going to happen to me now?" I muttered to myself hugging my knees to my chest forming a fear of confined spaces after that night.

Emma was in the waiting room trying to help Ashley by talking with Gold herself now that she wanted what he wanted from her. "So, she can keep the baby?"

"Not just yet. There's still the matter of my agreement with Miss Boyd." Gold eyed the blonde standing before him.

Emma replied. "Tear it up."

"That's not what I do. You see, contracts – deals – well, they're the very foundation of all civilized existence. So, I put it to you now. If you want Ashley to have that baby, are you willing to make a deal with me?" Gold paced in front of her

Emma asked, crossing her arms over her chest. "What do you want?"

"Oh, I don't know just yet. You'll owe me a favour." Gold raised his cup to his mouth, taking a drink.

Emma nodded. "Deal."

"We'll be in touch, Ms. Swan." He nodded, heading down the hallway to the front desk asking the nurse. "Can I see Eve Royal?"

The nurse agreed, leading him back to her room. "Of course."

I moaned, barely opening my eyes, seeing some bright hospital lights shining down on me. I attempted to sit up some but there was some discomfort like I had a really bad headache. "Ow! Ashley, why would you hit me over the head?"

"She didn't want Mr. Gold to take her baby. And she thought you were going to help him take it from her." Rubbing my eyes I cleared my vision seeing Henry sitting at my bedside.

I croaked with my throat sour. "Henry, what are you doing here?"

"Emma is talking with Gold to let her keep the baby and I wanted to see if you were okay. And ask you some questions?" He reached inside his backpack pulling out the book I saw. He flipped to a certain page showing me a blonde wearing a red cloak sitting inside of a prison cell. "Does this look familiar to you?"

Knitting my brows together in confusion I didn't understand what he meant. "Henry, what are you asking me? I mean the girl I may look similar to but I don't see anything else."

"Hey Henry, I didn't expect you to be back here. Your mother will be looking for you." Lifting my gaze upward I saw Gold and the nurse enter my room.

Henry put his book away, leaving my room. "I'll see you later."

"How are you feeling, Eve?" Gold asked standing at my bedside reaching out for my hand that didn't have an iv in it. "Ruby and I found you unconscious in the laundry room. I was concerned when they had you emitted here for a few hours."

I stared at him for a few minutes processing what he had just said to me. That wasn't something your boss would say, we weren't romantically involved that was for sure. "What do you mean you were so worried about me? Aren't we just boss and employee?"

"We're much more than that - un at least I thought we were unless I'm wrong." He cut himself off changing his wording when he saw such confusion on my face at his choice of words.

I sent him a tiny smile squeezing my hand in his. "I appreciate that you feel that way, Gold." He nodded in agreement but deep down he wished that the girl before him now knew the same truth that he did.

Comments really appreciated ❤️

[zahri-melitor]

Detective Comics: Fall of the Batmen.

Michael Akins as Mayor is such a neat piece of continuity here, because of course it brings you back to Brubaker/Rucka and the GCPD storytelling there in terms of when he was Police Commissioner, especially as it happens RIGHT at the time when Gotham once again pivots against the concept of the Bats as being their protectors. It's just a very nice long term nod in an arc full of them.

Cass is one of the characters at the heart of this, of course, because Cass is rerunning 'killing is never acceptable' and 'how do you consider yourself a good person when you've moved past your previous crimes', and then she yells at Kate and tears off Kate's bat in a way that echoes the Soul plot from Batgirl 2000.

Cass in a slightly oversized Hudson College hoodie is adorable as I'm not sure that it's Dick's (though it could be Dick's) but there's also a read that it's BARBARA's.

In terms of Lonnie, I actually think my favourite moment is the bit where Lonnie snarks that he no longer wears his mask on a stilt, he's grown up now, because ahahah yes! Reference back to Lonnie's original Anarky costume where the preteen was wearing a frame over his shoulders to hoist the mask up high enough that he looked like he was adult height! That thing was so silly but also a clever way of concealing his actual height. (Also Lonnie continues to be so convinced of his righteousness through all of this and the story keeps undermining him).

I do like that this all fell apart over Kate listening to Jacob and being a Good Soldier (TM). Don't listen to Jacob, Kate! It's also a very nice clash of Batman's Methods against Batwoman's Methods, because what happens tracks for both of them, and it's a reminder that these are two distinct properties and Kate Kane will always be more tied up in military imagery and decisions than Bruce.

Kate tells Tim he's being a bad boyfriend for keeping secrets from Steph. (Kate is not exactly a disinterested bystander here). The main secret being that Tim has found, now he's back and re-entangled in his passion project and seeing what happened to it, that he was lying to himself that he was setting up a system for Bruce that could function as a team without Tim there to maintain it, and doesn't actually intend to step away and study. Now, I think this is partly because I have already read Young Justice 2019 and I know how this connects into the starting premise of YJ19, but I don't actually find this to be a huge betrayal on Tim's part? Steph's also not discussing her own massive breakdown over the last 30 issues or so with Tim, and all Tim knows about it is Bruce's side of the story. Steph does some investigation behind Tim's back and also works out Tim at this point doesn't intend to leave Gotham, and honestly I think that it tracks for them both? Like, he JUST got back from being trapped in another dimension for a real world year and in comics time for several months, I think he's allowed to reassess whether 'leaving' is a thing he wants to do at this point, and is still working out how he plans to tell Steph. Now of course he should probably have a discussion about it with Steph if they're together, but also Tim and Steph having a somewhat unhealthy relationship based in concealment and lies? Wow, new territory for them.

It's really interesting, in terms of Tynion's entire arc for Tim and Steph together through this run has been about the fact that they're two teenagers on the verge of going to college, everything is about to change, and they have different expectations of how that's going to go. Steph's a lot more excited for leaving than Tim is, and clearly is more sure that Gotham is something she can put behind her and move past. Whereas Tim, despite what he occasionally says, is extremely reluctant to leave Gotham and can't tear himself away from it and has fought to return, multiple times, when anyone suggests leaving to him (Steph tends to see her past as something shameful she can move past and hide; Tim tends to see his past as his roots calling him home).

This is a very classic inversion point of growth for characters - finishing high school, deciding what they want to do as young adults - a period of learning about themselves and trying new things. And it's actually super fascinating to me that this is set up, ready to let their relationship rupture unless they BOTH put the work in to hold onto it. Tim and Steph being broken up is actually more status quo for them than being together! They're one of those classic 'orbit around each other but their relationship falls apart' character set ups. I actually enjoy how this storyline highlights that they actually have two very different goals, even if they think they have similar ones, and that if they want to go through this moment of growth they're going to have to either compromise towards each other or they'll pull apart.

There is also, hmmmm, some resonance in how the city is falling apart here with War Games and particularly War Crimes to my mind (don't run away!). The demand to unmask, the revolving around Steph in terms of whether any Bat should unmask and what it means to be a victim, Steph making judgment calls that resulted in outcomes she didn't expect...

The red phone to the commissioner gag! ahahahaha Batman 66 here for you all.

There is also a bunch of Mud Pack stuff in this storyline, but I think part of me is disappointed with the focus simply being on Basil Karlo, when there are so many other more interesting Clayfaces that could be included in this. Sondra Fuller? Preston Payne? Cassius Payne?Part of me kept waiting for more of a Peter Malley/Claything aspect to the story given the amount of mud everywhere being used for various purposes - what WOULD happen if part of Basil's clay, instead of being used in the Mud Room, had fused with another person? (I think too much about Clayfaces for someone who simultaneously thinks there are too many Clayfaces)

Also finally, this comic's art decides to torture me once again by referencing the Worst Batman Villain Ever Created, Metalhead. How I hate you, Metalhead, how I despise every time anyone decides to reference you (you are the worst, why will you not go away)

(Detective Comics #972. Why. Why do this to me Miguel Mendonca. This sight gag was missed by 99% of people who read this comic and the remaining 1% cannot actually LIKE Metalhead)

[star-dust-n-astral-wind]

Miscellaneous Moments From A "Modern Setting" Legend Of Zelda Story

Link: "I can't bring a sword to school, Fi." Fi: "...perhaps if you joined the fencing club, no one wou-" Link: "No."

---

Zelda: "I have to admit: I feel a little offended on your behalf." Link: "Why?" Zelda: "Past Heroes had to face world ending disasters, or demons of the Underworld, and you're stuck with..." Link: "Our terrible substitute teacher?" Zelda: "Yeah, it's... not fair, is it?" Link: "If it helps, he may be part of the mob." Zelda: "Not everyone you dislike is part of the mob, Link."

---

Ganondorf, in his secret lair: "Today, I put the next stage of my plan into action!" Link, hiding in the vents: "This should be good." Ganandorf: "I am going to run for mayor of Castletown!" Link: "Oh no, it's worse than I thought! He's not part of the mob; he's a politician!"

---

Impa: "In ancient times, the Sheika Tribe fought in the shadows, often employing throwing knives, or similarly concealable weapons." Link: "And now?" Impa: pulls out a high powered sniper rifle Impa: "This tends to do the job well."

---

Ganondorf, on tv: "If you elect me, I promise to do something about the vigilante that has been terrorising the streets of our fair city!" Link: "Wow, petty." Zelda: "How so?" Link: "Making my life difficult is literally one of the selling points of his campaign!" Zelda: "Does he know you're the vigilante?" Link: "He knows the vigilante is the Hero, so he's still being petty, even if I've kept my identity a secret."

---

Fi: "I calculate that there is a seventy-three point two-eight percent chance that this ends in disaster." Link: "That's still a twenty-six point seven-two percent chance that this goes well!" Fi: "Actually, the chances that this ends well are only four point-" Link, starting his motorbike: "CAN'T HEAR YOU! MOTORBIKING!!"

---

Aryll: "So... Link." Link: "Yeah?" Aryll: "If you die being a hero, can I have your PlayStation?" Link: "First off: I'm not going to die. And second off: Even if I did, I'd leave my stuff to Zelda, she actually respects me!" Aryll: "I respect you!" Link: "You tied my shoelaces together today!" Aryll: "...okay, fair point."

---

Zelda: "I'm just going to assume that Fi told you this would happen." Link, lying in hospital: "No. She said it might happen!" Fi: "Seventy-three point two-eight percent that it would happen, to be precise. I believe the appropriate phrase is: I told you so."

[tveitertotwrites]

Carriage Ride

Series: Open Heart (Alternate Universe)

Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Claire Evans)

Rating: General

Word Count: 1514 words

Summary: After a little incident, Claire and Prince Ethan take a ride in a carriage. A rewrite of a scene from the Hallmark film, One Royal Holiday.

A/N: This fic is for both the @choicesprompts Holiday Rewrite Challenge and for @choicesficwriterscreations CFWC Holidays 2023.

Claire and her father were outside of the family inn along with the head chef/Claire’s father’s best friend (who each other are very much interested in) packing up a bunch of presents on sleighs while waiting for the Queen and Crowned Prince Ethan of Gallwick as their bodyguard Tobias was nowhere in sight. As they were finishing up, the Queen and Ethan came out and were ready to head to the Kentsbury Christmas Parade. 

“Oh, I see Santa came early.” The queen said.

“Well, kind of. Everyone who comes to the parade donates a toy for Santa’s sleigh.”

Once they’re all done packing up all the presents, Claire looks at Ethan and realizes he is wearing a gray suit, black dress shoes, and a long black coat.

“Oh, you can’t walk in the snow in those shoes.”

“I’ll be fine. They’re waterproof.” Ethan says as he puts his weight onto the heels of his feet.

“Well, if you slip and fall, be sure to do it after we leave the property.”

“I’ll do my best.”

“Good”

They start to leave the inn when Claire grabs one of the sleds and her father tries to grab the other when Ethan steps in.

“Mr. Evans, allow me.”

“Oh, thank you, Ethan.”

The Queen, Claire’s father and his friend were already heading towards the parade when Claire giggled at Ethan as he took the sleigh. 

“Hey where’s Tobias?”

“He’s close. He likes to keep a low profile.”

Not too far up the road, Tobias pops out of the snow looking towards Ethan and Claire.

“Wow. That’s not creepy at all.” Claire says, which makes Ethan stifle a laugh as they start walking towards the parade.

The queen, Claire’s father, his friend, and Tobias stay ahead while Claire and Ethan trail a few feet behind them with the sleighs as everyone says hi to Claire, who waves back at them.

“Everyone here seems to know you.”

“Yeah, this town is like one big family. It must be strange to walk down the street and have no one know who you are.”

Ethan tilts his head slightly. “I rather like it.” 

Claire is then greeted by an old family friend who immediately thought that Ethan was a “special guest” that Claire brought home for the holidays. The family friend then goes to hug Ethan who then just stiffens in place as Claire corrects her, in which the family friend apologizes as Claire and Ethan make their way to the parade.

As the Queen, Claire’s father, his friend, and Tobias get to their seats, they run into Mayor Adelaide Barnes. Tobias then introduces the Queen to Adelaide.

“It is so nice to meet you. Wow, you are more regal uo close.” Adelaide says while shaking the queen's hand.

“What a lovely compliment. And congratulations on your success. The more women we have in charge the better.”

The queen walks off as Claire rushes over towards Adelaide, who looks lovingly towards Tobias. Claire then slowly pulls Adelaide away to talk privately.

“Adelaide, be careful.”

“With what?”

“You know what. They’re leaving soon. It can’t possibly work.”

“People also said I can’t possibly become mayor. I’ll take my chances.” Adelaide says while taking glances over at Tobias before the two of them walk back over.

Ethan then pipes up. “Claire. What should we do with the gifts?”

“Well, Santa goes last in the parade, so there’s just enough time for us to load these gifts onto his sleigh, which is down by the church.”

“All right.”

“We can go do that and then come back.”

“Sure.”

The two of them make their way down to Santa’s sleigh in which Claire sees the person playing Santa getting ready. She gasps which makes Ethan scoff.

“What, you don’t get excited when you see Santa Claus?”

“When I was growing up and Santa came to the palace, we didn’t ask for gifts. It would be untoward for a family that had so much.”

“Wow. You don’t have to ask for things.”

“Well I know that now. But Santa doesn’t come to the palace anymore.”

“Well, then, this will be perfect.”

The two of them then quickly load up the gifts into the sleigh before heading back over to their seats to watch the parade. They watched as many trucks and carriages came by, including the one in which Mayor Adelaide was in, waving to the crowd. Once the parade was over, the carriage that Adelaide was in came over to the group and Tobias helped her out of it.

“You were great out there. Extra points for the wave.” Tobias said.

“Why thank you.” Adelaide then turned towards the queen. “I don’t know how you do it. My arm is so tired.”

“You’ll get used to it.”

The queen, Claire’s father, and his friend all started to walk towards the inn. Adelaide and Tobias started to walk together and Ethan went to follow when he stepped into a big puddle of water and snow.

“Sir?” Tobias said.

“I’m fine.” Ethan said with a huff. Adelaide and Tobias continue walking as Claire laughs and walks towards Ethan. “Well.”

“Well what?”

“I’m waiting for you to tell me I was right in your poor choice of winter footwear.”

Ethan huffs again. “Fine. You were right.”

“I know.” Claire turns and looks at the coachman of the carriage. “Hey, Stan, you think you could give my friend a lift back to the inn?”

“Absolutely.” Stan says.

“I’m fine to walk.”

“And I’m sure you’ll get frostbite.” She then points to the carriage. “Get in. Nurse’s orders. Come on, you have no choice. You’re in my domain now.”

Ethan looks at Claire, “Well, a carriage is my domain, and it would be incredibly awkward to ride alone, so…” he then lifts Claire into the carriage, “... in you go.” The two of them just stare at each other lovingly for a second before snapping out of it and sitting down on the carriage before it pulls away towards the inn.

Claire shivers and then grabs a blanket and begins to put them over Ethan’s feet. “”Whew. Here. Put your feet under this so they don’t become footsicles.”

“You never stop, do you?”

“Stop what?”

“Looking for ways to help people.”

“Sometimes it’s just easier to focus on other people’s needs.” Claire says with a sigh as she looks away from Ethan.

“You just described the life of a royal. Except the easy part.”

Claire then looks at Ethan as he looks away from her. “Must be a lot of pressure taking over for your father.

Ethan then looks towards Claire. “He was a great man. He did so much to bring Galwick together. The people loved him.”

“I’m sure they’ll come to love you too.”

“Not if I give another address like last year.”

“Come on. It couldn’t have been that bad.”

“I allowed my staff to post my speech on the internet.”

“Okay.”

“And then I read the comments.”

Claire winced. “Oh. No. You can’t do that. Never read the comments.” 

“Well, I know that now.”

Claire giggles. “So, this speech is your… second chance.”

“That’s why I have to get it right.”

Claire looks at Ethan. “Can I be honest with you?”

Ethan looks at Claire and nods, “Mmm-hmm.”

“If you want to connect with your people, show them more of this side of you.” Ethan Faces forward and Claire leans her face closer to him. “As it turns out, you’re not half bad.”

“Ah, the insult disguised as a compliment.” He turns towards Claire. “It’s a very advanced technique.”

Claire laughs. “You know what I mean.”

The two of them then face forward as they reach a couple taking pictures, which makes Ethan turn away from them. 

“Oh no. Don’t worry. They’re not taking pictures of us, just the carriage. It’s very quintessential New England.”

Ethan turns back around. “Yes but, convincing the people of Galwick I care about them is going to be a hard sell if they see me frolicking about in Connecticut.” 

“I doubt anyone could accuse you of frolicking.” 

At this point they catch up to where Adelaide and Tobias are walking and are about to pass them. Adelaide and Tobias then turn to watch as Claire and Ethan pass in the carriage.

“Really? You hired transportation? It’s not that long of a walk, guys.” Adelaide said.

“I had a footwear malfunction.”

“I see.” Tobias said.

“I could have gotten frostbite.”

After they had passed, Ethan turned back around. “Oh god. Tobias is never going to let me live this down.”

“No, I’m sure he won’t say anything else. I mean you are his boss.”

“I’m also his best friend from boarding school.”

“Really?” 

“Yeah.”

The carriage comes to a stop in front of the inn. Ethan hops out and helps Claire get off of the carriage before thanking Stan for the ride, who then quickly pulls the carriage away. The two of them slowly pull their hands away from each other and glance at each other before heading into the inn.

----------------------------

Perma Tags: @crazy-loca-blog @driverstveit @justyourusualash @zahrachoices

Open Heart: @coffeeheartaddict2 @jerzwriter @liaromancewriter

Ethan Only: @cariantha @zealouscanonindeer

[lostuntothisworld]

Who's ready for another shitpost spaghetti theory based off the popular fan theory that's been going around where Felix and Adrien were swapped at birth

(Also what's the deal with these recordings and why does Gabe want them gone so bad, other than the obvious?)

Okay here's where the crack theory comes in:

Adrien is his own twin sister, and that's why he has two amoks.

When Emilie is talking about Adrien being free in the recordings, she's not talking about Adrien, she's talking about Adrienne, the baby girl Adrien was named after, who only exists in strands of DNA within Adrien. When Gabemoth talks about how "they" can all be together again, he's talking about how the four of them can be a family.

Whichever Princess twin that had Adrien, couldn't bear the fact that the baby girl was no longer there, and passed the boy baby and her empire to her twin's family.

Maybe that's why Amelie (a name that means acts like the curious princess (the princess that ends up marrying Gabemoth), whereas Emilie (a name that means Rival) acts like the wise princess (the princess that ends up marrying Colt).

I'm not sure how it'll play out or what twin swap did (or even didn't actually, but was planned to) occurred. But something is fishy.

Maybe Gabriel and Emilie are Felix's real parents while

Maybe Colt and Amilie are Adrien's real parents, and Gabriel and Emelie are Felix's?

Maybe even Colt and Emilie are Adrien's parents, and Gabriel and Amelie are Felix's?

All of this ties into my theory that the show is just a giant 15 year timeloop.

Here's what Kagami right before the play in Representation:

Kagami: But that's the only possible explanation. Argos: (off-screen) Do you think she can be trusted? Kagami: She's my friend. We don't have a choice. (holds hands with Argos) My mother and Gabriel Agreste will never allow us to love each other freely. Only Ladybug can help us.

That is to say, Kagami came up with the story from whatever limited information she has using her logic. Felix is either going along with it for his own purposes, or he actually believes her. Even Tikki calls it a sad story, and Marinette insists it's a real thing that occurred.

I think instead of looking at the play, we should look at what happens directly before it, Marinette chasing a disguised Felix around while trying to act happy even though she's crying and trying to find Adrien.

First she's handed a crown from Rose, and a bouquet of flowers with a dark striped ribbon by a thankful Caline who says she would never have been able to run for mayor without her. A bouquet that is the same exact one as the bouquet Marinette gifts her mother for a belated Mother's day (using her mother's money, too!). I know the show likes to reuse models, but that's kind of suspect in my opinion, especially considering the next scene:

Miss Bustier: I never would've had the courage to run for Mayor! Marinette: Oh! You're welcome, Miss Bustier! We've always been an inspiration to you— I-I mean, the opposite! (bumps on Ivan) Ivan: She took up our ecological proposals in her program! (gives Marinette a tight hug) Mylène: (gives Marinette a small piece of log with a ribbon) Thanks to you, if Miss Bustier is elected, there will be more trees, less cars — the planet will breathe! Marinette: (walks away backwards from Ivan and Mylène) I'm happy that the planet gets to breathe. But right now, I'm the one who can't breathe! (runs) Adrien! (Marinette hurriedly runs through the crowd, bumping into numerous people along the way.) Mylène: Are you sure you're okay, Marinette? Kim: You don't look too good right now! Marinette: (skittishly) Me? Not looking too good? What are you talking about? I'm here, totally here! I've got a bouquet, a crown, a log, and I'm dancing! Woohoo! Oh wow, speaking of which, why don't I go try out that trampoline? Hop-hop! See ya!

They sure did chuck a baby boy log at her while she's hyperventilating. I wonder what this could possibly represent :)

She runs into an old flame who is redeemed and genuinely concerned for her. She tells him that she's great and how could she not if she has a bouquet, a log, and a crown.

Anyway, she says she wants to "hop hop hop" on the trampoline but Mr. Damacles (and Jean Duparc is there too...) (Is Mr Damacles a time traveler?)

Then she bumps into Zoe, the person who decided to put her in the spotlight without thinking of her feelings on the matter, searches around for "Adrien" and spots his orange butterfly branded shoes.

She accidentally interrupts a pair of lovebirds while chasing "Adrien", and promptly "Adrien". Her back turned from the telescope behind her, she tries to call him but there's no answer.

A blue firework with a pink core explodes behind her. All she had to do was look through the telescope.

Alya and Nino go comfort her.

Alya: Marinette, stop. You're just hurting yourself. You know he's in London. Marinette: What if he's come home? What if he disobeyed his father to come... (voice breaks) and find me? Nino: London isn't that far! We'll find a way to go and visit him. Alya: You have the right to be sad, Marinette. This is anything but the ending we expected.

And then Marinette does this:

She passes the three very specific objects to Alya and Nino, and runs away to find Adrien(ne)

Or, you know, Adrien and Felix were swapped at birth and/or Emilie and Amelie were swapped at their weddings. But that's a little predictable haha

[araminakilla]

So, today it's the 4th anniversary of the Ducktales episode "Treasure of the Found Lamp!" which means that it's Faris D'jinn birthday. Wo-hoo!

And yes, I'm still keeping the tradition of celebrating it because it's fun and his episode was one of the best. Plus, Zan Owlson made it to the new Darkwing Duck comic as the mayor of St. Canard, so that could mean more minor characters from Dt 2017 could return.

Crossing fingers that in the new DT or DWD media D'jinn and Gene will meet.

Anyway, this time I give to you a fanfic I made after the show ended in the times of... March 2021.

HOLY- it's been that long? Wow

Moving on, since I (for some reason I still don't know) only wrote the middle part and the end of the fanfic, I'm going to give you context of the beggining.

---

Basically it's set just after Bradford's defeat.

The main ducks and company encounter D'jinn who seems to be looking for someone. Webby is very curious about how D'jinn was captured by F.O.W.L. since he is a very skilled fighter and because she said "I wish to know" a certain magical brown duck appears and after an impressive presentation, he makes appear a giant screen as it shows how the warrior was captured.

There was no big fight or resistance, just something similar to what happened to Donald and Della in the final episode. He saw baby Jeeves and went "Awww, a baby" before being blasted by the Phantom Blot, knocking him out. Then Rockerduck picked his tiny assistant and Pepper said "that was very easy" as they left the scene.

Everyone was stunned, specially D'jinn. It was after he heard a few mocking laughs coming from the villains that still were there and also realising that EVERYONE who was captured by F.O.W.L. saw it as well (they even got popcorn!) that he became very dismayed and shouted at Gene as to why did he do that.

Just as Gene started to realize what he has done, Lena standed between them and looked like she was ready to defend the genie by fighting Faris.

When Webby and the boys tried to calm the situation, May and June joined Lena and said to D'jinn every bad thing the agents of F.O.W.L. (specially Bradford) told them about him, in front of the recently-free people no less, making some people gasp and some villains nod their heads in approval.

After hearing those horrible things, Faris runs away in shame not for the recent screening of his lame capture, but for the false accusations.

Scrooge and company had to calm down the people and tell them the truth: That a lot of things F.O.W.L. said about them were lies and could not be trusted. Of course the evil agents told the female ducklings many lies about the ones they captured like Gyro, Boyd, Fenton, Penumbra, the Three Caballeros, Storkules, etc.

After things became clear, Gene decides to seach for D'jinn, because the warrior needs an apology and he didn't deserve the way he was treated recently. He finally founds him and that's when the story begins.

In this fanfic, the bond between Gene and his lamp was broken thank to the Phantom Blot's glove and somehow D'jinn knows about the Blot's backstory and that Gene had previous awful masters (I said "somehow" because there was actually an explanation for this but since I wrote this fanfic more than two years ago I can't remember all the details)

Now, after everything was said, let's begin with the story!

---

"Hey, there you are!" Said the genie while he appeared behind Faris. "Look, I'm so sorry for what happened. I didn't want to humilliate you, I just..."

"It is fine" said D'jinn in a calm tone "You just wanted to help the friend of the girl who freed you. I am the one who has to apologize"

"Wait... really?" The magical duck said in a confused tone.

"Yes, I should not have scream at you. Is just... I get too intense sometimes you know. Even the Ducks tried to get rid of me the day I arrived in their home"

"Yeaaaaah, maybe destroying things in their living room and saying you will tear their house apart wasn't the best character introduction"

"Wait, how did you know I said that?"

"Oh, it's easy, F.O.W.L. has like hundreds of hidden cameras in the mansion and all Duckburg. That is without mentioning the cameras they have around the world."

"Really?" The warrior asked in disbelief.

The duck made appear an ottoman for two persons and when they sat down, he kept talking.

"Yes, I saw a lot of recordings while imprisioned in the Blot's glove. Seriously, they could make a whole show with the content they have. They have so many Duck tales. But, returning to what you said, I don't think they wanted to get rid of you, they were only a little..."

"Scared, I know" said D'jinn in a worried tone "Like I said before, I get too intense sometimes, I saw how some people in my homeland tried to get away from me when I got too passionate about something."

Gene, was surprised to hear that, so he said in a concerned tone "Tell me more"

The warrior was uncertain for a moment, but then started to talk.

"When I was young, a little wolf kid from my homeland found a scroll I nearly lost at a bazaar and started drawing on it. I took the scroll and called him a thief... in a tone that made me sound very upset. The little one said in tears that he just found it on the ground. Before I could say sorry, his mother came and hug her kid. The father appeared and started screaming that this is the reason of why I do not have a wife or children and that if I ever have them, they will run away from me just like everyone. He said that so loud that all the people there was staring at us. I saw their faces and some of them agreed in silence, others even nodded"

"They just don't know you are very dramatic, that's all" said the duck trying to confort the canine.

"I never saw that wolf family again, but the words of the father appear in my mind everytime I think of having descendants. Sometimes I feel it will never leave. Maybe he is right..." D'jinn said in a resigned tone "And it is the best for everyone if I never become a parent"

"What are you saying!?" Exclaimed Gene while he began to float "The world would a better place if NO... WHEN you become a father.

"But I-"

"Shush my poor, confused arabian warrior and let me finish" the duck said while transforming the canine's mouth into a closed zip. D'jinn was not amused.

"You have to understand that, yes... you are intense, somewhat hot tempered and not prone to smiling but that doesn't define who you really are. Believe me, I had masters who seemed friendly on the outside and were wicked on the inside. Plus there are many aspects that define a character and let me tell you, what I saw about you is extraordinary."

The canine looked up at the Genie while crossing his arms as if saying "Like what?"

"Well for starters, you have a passion for life and journeys, are a great artist, you respect your opponents, are very good at riddles but most importantly... you are a loyal friend and ally, you would do anything to keep your loved ones safe and know family is the greatest treasure of all. Those aspects made you who you are now, Faris D'jinn"

The adventurer looked at Gene with wide eyes. He unzapped his mouth that returned back to normal and said in a quiet, hopeful voice:

"Is that true?"

"Yes, it is! Just look at Donald. The duck has a temper but that doesn't define who he is. He's a great father to the ducklings, a brave adventurer and many other things! Now tell me..." The brown duck began asking "When you said you looked everywhere in the Lost Library for the Phantom Blot to free me... you really mean it?"

"Of course I mean it. You were prisioner of a still grievering man who reflected his loss in the form of hate towards magical creatures. It was just matter of time before he decided to get rid of you."

"I mean, that could have been a very epic and memorable battle."

"Yes, it could" Faris said while nodding "But now that I know what are the reasons behind his awful actions, I wish I could help him. Nobody deserves losing his family and people"

At that moment Gene smiled widely, changed his clothes to a suit, made appear a microphone and gave D'jinn a trophy that has the words "#1 best boy"

"Faris D'jinn ladies and gentlemen" the genie said looking at the 4th wall "the most underrated character of all time!"

To say the warrior was flustered at the duck's words is an understandment.

"Come on Gene, stop it" said D'jinn laughing in an awkward manner. The genie laughed too.

"Um, excuse us... is this a bad moment?"

The pair turned around to see two ducklings with yellow and cian outfits, a tall teenage female duck, a violet sabrewing and their best friend, Webby.

Gene changed back to his original clothes and made the microphone and trophy dissapear.

"We wanted to say sorry" said Lena "I just fought a tall, dark and dramatic man. I guess I'm just wary of that kind of people, but you are different. Webby really admires you"

"Yeah, we are sorry too" said June to the canine "We shouldn't have said those things that F.O.W.L. told us about you"

"After all, those people were going to kill us anyway" said May bitterly "You can't trust the words of supervillians"

"It is fine little ones" said Faris in a friendly and calm voice "No need to say sorry, you wanted to protect Webby. She is so lucky to have you"

"Woah" said June while her eyes were growing bigger and had sparks in them "You are really nice, just like that time you explained your family's story to the Ducks. Webby told us"

"Yes" said May admiring the arabian adventurer too "And you are really good at fighting monsters, aliens and Beagle Boys! ...I mean, we can do that too but not many people can"

"No wonder you have his photo in your big family board" said June while elbowing Webby. The girl with the pink bow nodded happily...

"Wait" said Faris "What family board?"

...before realizing what has been said.

"Nothing!" Exclaimed Webby "Just some information I was collecting from everyone"

"Yeah" said June "Everyone you consider family"

May showed D'jinn a photo she took of the board back in Mcduck's Mansion. "See Mr. D'jinn? You are here in the corner celebrating your birthday, next to you is Amunet"

"I see" said the warrior "But why am I there?"

"Like June said" Lena began to explain "This is a board consisting on people Webby considers family not by blood, but by love. The villains are only there because they are part of her life too... and one of them is my aunt" she said the last part a little ashamed.

"Come on girls" said Webby "It's not like I would LOVE for an amazing and skilled middle eastern warrior with a heart of gold who is very wise about life to be my uncle, because that would be very crazy" she laughed in an awkward manner "...right?"

The canine was a little dissapointed.

"Yeah, right. I guess I should..."

Suddenly he felt someone tug at his turban.

"Dude! That was a trick question! Of course she would love for you to be her honorary uncle!"

"First of all..." said Faris while making a signal with one hand "Stop. Pulling. My. Turban"

The genie was taken aback when he saw the warrior's face and instead of being angry he was very uncomfortable. Then he realized that he was still pulling the piece of clothing. Gene stopped doing it and float away a little.

"Woah! Sorry, sorry. It was not my intention!"

"Alright, and second..." the canine said while kneeling down to be more close to the height of the girls. "Webbigail Vanderquack, do you really want for me to be your uncle?"

"Yes! I do... but only if you want to be part of my family..." the duckling said while playing with her fingers "...but that would mean being in danger if people from other planets come to invade Earth or the possibility of getting kidnapped by another evil organization, so I'm sure the answer is-"

"YES!" D'jinn said looking at Webby with wide, overjoyed eyes while having a big smile on his face. Then he held her, stood up and began to spin with joy "I will be your uncle! It is my greatest honor!"

Webby was surprised, after procesing for a second what the warrior said, she screamed "Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh! YAY!"

May and June hug each other, jumped and screamed in joy like fangirls in a concert while Lena and Violet smiled, looked at each other and made a sisterly fist bump.

Gene was overjoyed too. He began to spin in the air while releasing fireworks.

"I really love the found family trope! Shabooey!"

"This is amazing! First Scrooge is my dad and now you are my uncle! Best. Week. EVER!"

Everyone was having a great time when a very familiar Moonlander ran towards them.

"There you are small Della, other small Dellas, tall Della and purple Della" said Penumbra "your family is looking for you, they are worried you get lost, especialy the old duck"

"We are fine Penny" said Webby now walking towards her "we were talking with D'jinn, he will protect us if anything happens"

"I see" both the moon and earth warriors looked at each other with respect. Penumbra made a warrior greeting "It is an honor to finally meet you, Earth D'jinn"

The mentioned made a similar greeting, being serious like always "The honor is mine, Moon Penumbra"

Both turned around when they heard a muffled laugh coming from the teenager duck.

"Sorry" said Lena "I will be right there" she pointed to the left and walked while muttering "...dorks"

The warriors were quiet for a moment, confused at being called that, then Penumbra broke the silence.

"Now that I found you, I can inform the ducks about your location"

"We will come with you in a moment" said Webby.

"Alright then" said the moonlander while looking at Faris again, exchanging one last look of respect and understandment. Then looked at his left and saw the genie floating, smiling and waving at her.

She did a double take and began muttering to herself while walking away "Ducks can fly? Well, the ducks who don't speak or wear clothes can, but apparently the sentient ones can too? I had to ask Della about that"

The girls began to follow Penumbra, but Webby turned around to see the canine and spoke in arabic:

"(See you soon, uncle)"

"(See you soon dear niece, may Allah bless you in your journey)"

Webby smiled widely. She, May and June squealed while walking to find their family.

"He sounds so good in arabic!" Said June.

"I know right?" Said May "I wish I could speak the language. Sounds very friendly"

Gene nodded "Yep, they are Webby's clones alright"

Before speaking another word, a cough was heard. Both looked down to see the violet sabrewing, who was silent even since the girls came to them, staring at them. Then she spoke in arabic too.

"(Let me guess, you really don't understand social cues while interacting with people and that make them think you are weird)"

"(Now that you mentioned, yes. That is right)"

"(Relatable)"

"(It is?)"

"(Very much)"

"(I am sorry)"

"(Don't worry, I'm fine. My family and friends remind me how everyone is special and different)"

After she said that, she began to follow her sisters. Faris smiled warmly and said:

"You are a very wise girl... what is your name?"

The girl turned around to see the warrior in the eyes, then made a little bow. "My name is Violet Apollonia Sabrewing"

The canine bowed too. "I am Faris D'jinn"

"I know" said the girl with a little smile.

"Violet, come on. We have to get to the Sunchaser" Violet's older sister said while looking at the men one last time "See you soon, oh powerful genie... uncle D'jinn" she said in a tone that the duo couldn't understand if that was sarcasm or not. They even couldn't read her face, which was a combination of happy but mocking at the same time.

"I may be able to answer ever riddle of the world but that is nothing compared to the greatest mystery of them all... teenagers" Faris said giving up.

"Looks like you have five nieces now" said Gene with a grin.

"It is true" the warrior said happy "I am so glad that... wait..." he remembered something the duckling said in her moment of great joy "Webby is the daughter of Scrooge?"

The confused warrior looked at the genie who said "Yes, it's a really long story"

The canine thought for a moment "I have time"

(Moments later)

"What do you mean Webbigail and company were created by F.O.W.L.?"

(Moments later)

"What do you mean that villainous buzzard is the reason the three boys grew up without a mother?"

(Another moment later)

"What do you mean Donald forced his family to live a sitcom reality that was not theirs for days without them being capable of breaking free until somebody figured out things because he was traumatized by the loss of his sibling?

(Yet another moment later)

"What do you mean this was not the only time that happened!?"

"To be fair, I had nothing to do with THAT one."

Faris couldn't process more information and spoke seriously.

"Gene, of many things someone could wish, that was very messed up"

"I know, I know but Donald wanted to do the best for his family"

"It could be the case, but now imagine this. If my Baba was the one who found you and he said "I wish for my son Faris D'jinn to be the doctor I always knew he could become" that would mean having my personality altered and be something I am not for the rest of my days but that would be fine because that is the best for our family" the warrior concluded while crossing his arms.

"Well... now that you put it like that it doesn't sound like a decent thing to do" the genie said ashamed.

"On the other hand..." D'jinn said in a soft tone of voice "Your intentions were always good, I am relieved the ducks found you"

"True, they are good people, even better than Collie Baba" Gene admited "I wish I had more masters like them in the past"

"I lament you had to be with such horrible masters"

"Nah, don't worry. In reality, my ex masters knew they can't mess with me, I can be like the Papyrus of Binding when I get upset" the genie said relaxed "Ever heard of Merlock the Magician?"

"No"

"Good" Gene suddenly said in a very serious, somber tone of voice.

This surprised D'jinn for a second. He began to reach his hand towards his new friend and was going to ask him if he was alright, but then Gene smiled and said with his usual cheerful voice.

"So D'jinn, now that you are free... what are you going to do?"

The warrior thought about that. There were many things he had in mind after almost being wiped out of existence. He finally said:

"If I remember correctly, you said that evil organization has hidden cameras around the world"

"Yep, lots and lots of cameras. They were really a dedicated organization"

"And some agents like the Blot, his most trusted ally, that talkative rooster and the annoying rich duck in white clothes are still somewhere"

"That is correct my dramatic friend"

"Do you know what this means?"

"A lot of material left for possible spin-offs?"

"No I... what are spin-offs?" D'jinn asked confused.

"Oh I wish I could tell you, but I can only make a limited number of Meta references per chapter" Gene said quickly.

"What Meta, what chapter?" Faris said more confused than before. Despite this, he continued speaking about his plan for his next adventure.

"Now that the agents went on their own journeys, that would mean the camera system is weak. We can locate them, learn how many of them are around the world and destroy them"

"I like your plan! This could be its own seri... wait, "we" as in you and me?" The duck said surprised.

"Yes, I said we. Would you do me the honor to be my companion in this new quest?" Faris asked while giving his hand to the duck.

Gene didn't hesitate and hug the warrior tighly.

"Yes! I would love to! Thank you!"

D'jinn was caught by surprise but instead of trying to get out the hug, he wrapped his arms slowly towards the free Gene and smiled. Then he remembered something.

"Wait! You said you have plans of your own. I apologize for forgetting that. I do not want to interfere in your own wishes"

"What? No, it's fine. I really didn't have idea where to go first. All my existence, I had to go where my masters wanted me to go, but now I can decide... and I want to be with you D'jinn"

The friendly and calm words of the brown duck made Faris be... very happy? Ectastic? He couldn't tell. To be someone emotional doesn't mean knowing exactly how you feel all the time.

"But I must tell you" said Gene "when the Phantom Blot separated me from my lamp, I lost many of my powers. I went from phenomenal cosmic powers to not even a quarter of that"

"Are you sure about that?" the warrior asked curious about the limitations of his new partner.

"Yeah, I can no longer create alternative realities or affect someone else's character but..."

"You... tried to do that again to confirm it?" D'jinn asked very worried as to how Gene was sure he couldn't alter personalities anymore.

"What!? No, noooooo. Come on, it's not like I tried to erase everyone's minds to make them forget about your encounter with F.O.W.L. because that would be very bad hehehe... right?"

"You are right my dear friend, it is good thing you didn't try to do that" Faris said relieved.

"That was also a... nevermind" said Gene giving up.

His new companion was a box of surprises and mysteries, not that it was a bad thing. If anything, he loves surprises and was eager to discover more things about him and the world around them.

"I still can teletransport us to any place we want. Just say a place and we will be there in a second"

"Not so fast Gene, we can take the easy way... or we can experience a great journey without using a lot of magic" the canine said while doing dramatic movements.

"Oh yeah, for a moment I forgot who I'm talking to, Mr. LARP"

"Why Larp? Everyone calls me Mr. D'jinn" the warrior said confused.

Was he ever going to understand Gene's references?

"I know, it's just... okayyy moving on" the brown duck said while trying to make things less awkward.

Was he ever going to understand D'jinn's literal thought process?

None of them had the answers for that.

It was just a matter of time, they supposed.

"If we are going to travel, we need to do it in style" Gene said while transforming the ottoman he made moments ago into a really cool looking and fast motorcycle, similar to the one Faris had in his quest for the found lamp.

"Gene this is without a doubt, as most people say these days, really awesome" the canine said while looking in awe at their new way of transportation.

"Thank you buddy" said a very flattered genie "and don't worry. I think everyone is going to forget about that random screening. Besides, nobody has recorded it"

Meanwhile, somewhere in the dunes...

"I got it!" Said a lone dog person with gray fur, goth clothes and a mask that is his connection to a certain group of thieves back in Duckburg.

He was holding a cellphone with an Hades-themed holdcase while looking at the video that he took of the arabian warrior's capture.

"I, Black Arts Beagle, have all recorded in my phone. And in good quality too" he said while laughing in triumph.

"Now I have to get back to Duckburg... somehow" the Beagle thought for a second before snapping his fingers "But of course!"

He then began to chant something and glowed in a magical purple aura. Suddenly he disappeared... only to appear less than five meters to the left.

"Wait what?" The magician said in panic. "What happened to my magic?!"

He only remembers using it to power up his cellphone while he was recording the genie's little movie.

But that couldn't be a reason as to why his powers aren't working anymore, could it?

He tried to use a teletransportation spell only to appear ten meters in the sky and fall in the soft but hot sand, still in the same place.

Aparently it could.

"No no no no NOOOOOOOO" He exclaimed dramaticaly while looking at the sky, powerless.

"How am I supposed to return to civilization?" He wondered in despair. He began to walk in whatever direction could help him find a way to escape this wide and unknow desert.

Suddenly he saw in the distance a very familiar dark figure looking at a floating duck who made appear a really cool looking motorcycle. They were talking about something before deciding to use the vehicle.

"I heard about the original tale but I never saw that movie"

"What!? You didn't see Aladdin in your life?" Gene asked in disbelief "We need to change that"

Black Arts looked at his phone and with the little of magic he had made his artifact invisible as to protect it from the Genie dude and the warrior.

He didn't think it twice, raised his left hand and began to run in their direction.

"Hey, birthday dude! Future father of the century...!"

One brief conversation later, the arabian warrior and the genie were going to travel the world alongside a Master of Dark Arts who was in a sidecar connected to the motorcycle. The three of them were free from F.O.W.L. and ready to began a new journey.

"TO ADVENTURE!"

"SHABOOEY!"

"ANY PLACE WITHOUT MA IS WELCOME!"

FIN

[raichana-artblog]

OC Description Tag

I am also counting this as todays OCtober since... once again i wrote too much lol

I was tagged by the always amazing @card-queen here: https://www.tumblr.com/card-queen/731816443929346048/oc-description-tag

Rules: Share an excerpt from your WIP that describes one of your OCs.

So.... I don't have any WIPs.... yet... but yeah I wrote this for the meme and it's too long but I hope you enjoy!

Edit: I guess i should add a mild content warning or mention of trafficking and death. I tried not to be too descriptive.

Shadowlord

The ink had yet to dry on the newly completed contract when the guard outside of this secret room was heard thrashing around.

With a simple glance from an annoyed boss the bodyguard moved to see what was going on, it only took a few steps before he keeled over foaming from the mouth.

Laughter filled the room from every corner causing all in attendance to rise and draw weapons. “Wow looks like I’ll be getting a bonus today” the young girls voice moved all about like a ghost with no form. Another one of the hired goons fell over, face purple and bloated.

“Shadowlord…” one of the younger criminals muttered under his breath. Trembling in his boots and trying to stand in a more well-lit area.

“Stop that, it’s only an urban legend… find the source of that voice and kill her” the large man grabbed the contract and started to roll it up, he may have been annoyed two of his men were already dead but all that mattered was his own life. “5000 gold to whoever brings me her head.”

“Now now I’m worth much more then that” this time the mans right hand man hit the ground with a hard thud. “If you are going to ask them to throw away their lives you should at least pay them accordingly” she giggled.

The young criminal who worried about dealing with the ghost voice dropped his weapon and ran off. “Please! spare me” he could be heard yelling as he ran past his dead former comrades.

“Oh, looks like you don’t have that much loyalty, that will make this easier” the girl jumped out of the middle of floor as if she truly were a ghost. The only thing more shocking than her entrance was her appearance. Dressed in hot pink miniskirt and black top, it was like she wasn’t even trying to hide. Her piercing green eye surveyed the two remaining criminals. Her smile was almost catlike as her pink and blond hair bounced with every movement. “I am a little surprised that a trafficker was making deals with the mayor, but I guess we were due for an election” Her smile grew wider. “Any final words?” she spoke as cheerfully as if she were asking where they should go to eat.

“I’ve heard of you” the man behind the desk stood up. “You’re an assassin with the guild then” The trafficker sighed. “A pink Elf with the fashion sense of a child making quite a mockery of the guild, stealing all the high-ticket jobs. You will do anything for money well” he grabbed the coins that were original for the exchange of ‘goods’. “This should be enough to shoo you away.”

She just giggled. “A true elf would be quite offended by you trying to lump me in with them, I’m closer to a demon after all…. But you do have a point, I’ll do anything for money” she moved closer without any hesitation a slight bounce in her step. “But you know?” She glanced over at the mayor as he started clawing his neck, he tried to make a run for it but was dead after only a few steps. “When those kids I rescued ask me to take you out… I just had to do it for free” yet she made no move to attack. “So, I’ll ask again, one last time… any final words?”

The dread hit suddenly, trying to breathe was suddenly much more difficult. He looked down where he could feel a small cut on his leg near where his shadow was cast. He could see the veins on his arms bulging as his body struggled to get every bit of oxygen left. “Who… are you?”

“What a waste, you were already told who I am… I’m Arianna… the Shadowlord” her devilish smile would be the last thing he saw. She moved over to take his pulse and gave a little nod satisfied as a job well done.  “Though I will still take the money, Orphanages cost way more then I expected.” she muttered as she grabbed the sack full of gold coins and slipped into the corpse’s shadow.

There was one last loose end. “I should get that guard who ran off to show me where the kids being sold are. I’d rather that then kill him after he was so entertaining” but it was best to let him calm down, otherwise he may do something stupid like try to fight her. It would have to wait till morning.

“Boss may be mad but at least I got to test out my new poison” she giggled to herself before heading back to report the chaos she had just singlehandedly caused.

I'll be posting this on toyhouse too but yeah I tag.... uh....

@greywaysart (figure you can post it on whichever blog is more appropriate)

@cloudedpoetry if you want i know you are very busy.

anyone else who wants to... again you don't need to write as much as i did i was just doing two things at once.

[burnwater13]

Fennec Shand and Toro Calican standing near a mesa on Tatooine at dawn. Image from The Mandalorian, Season 1, Episode 5, The Gunslinger. Calendar by DataWorks. Caption reads: Take some advice, kid. You wanna be a bounty hunter? Make the best deal for yourself and survive. - Fennec Shand.

Grogu appreciated the position Fennec was in, but he really thought she could have handled it differently. Differently as in better. Better as in not trusting a person who can’t be trusted. Because then she wouldn’t have ended up lying on the desert floor with a bad blaster injury. 

Oh sure, she was trying to manipulate that untrustworthy punk kid bounty hunter wannabe. It had been working for a while, but then it failed. Grogu hadn’t been happy about that when his dad told him what he knew and when Fennec told him the rest of the story, with significant updates being provided by Daimyo Fett when Fennec was out of earshot (which generally meant off Tatooine altogether).

Grogu had seen that sort of thing happen over and over again after he left the Jedi Temple. He and Master Beq were on the run and were being helped by good people and people who ended up being good after a whole career of being not so good. It hadn’t been easy to tell who was who and how long they might be good if they were normally bad and how long the good ones could stay good without turning bad. Master Beq was very good at making those calls. 

Grogu had to admit that for the most part he was very bad at making those calls. He liked everyone. He thought that everyone liked him. Don’t you like people who like you? Grogu thought that was the natural course of things. But he learned that was not the case. The sweetest, smiling, grandmother could walk right up to them and then start screaming for Stormtroopers because she knew there was a bounty for any Jedi that was found almost anywhere. 

That had happened to them more than once. Master Beq had warned Grogu every time, but Grogu chose to believe that the smiling, soft spoken people of the galaxy couldn’t possibly be evil. He’d been told enough times to quiet down and smile when he met people that he just figured that most people were like him. Following the directions of their teachers and guardians. Nope. They were not. 

Before they were separated, Grogu had a chance to ask Master Beq why people did such cruel things for credits. After all, every person who tried to turn them in just wanted whatever bounty that had been promised to them. None of them had been afraid of either of them. They hadn’t really cared about Jedi. It wasn’t about personal safety or even personal beliefs. There were plenty of people who didn’t think that Jedi should interfere with the normal operations of planets and their governments. These were not those people. 

“Grogu, these people don’t really want the credits. They want the power those credits represent. Some may have felt powerless all their lives and now they had a chance to experience a little bit of it and it changed how they felt about themselves. Some of these people once had power, but it had been taken from them by the Republic, or their local mayor, or their family… there are many paths to that status, importantly, rather than accepting what has happened and moving forward, they sit and stew and fill themselves with envy and hate for anyone they perceive as having power that was once theirs. It’s nonsense to us, but to them it is very real. Those are the people like Sheev Palpatine, who will go to any lengths to get what he wants and he cares not what happens to anyone else because to him they do not really have any value. Remember, young one, you cannot look at a person and say they are good or bad, you can only look at their actions and hope you have enough time to react to who they choose to be.”

Wow, that had been a long answer. Grogu had almost fallen asleep during it. Now, so many years later, he could really understand what his former master meant. You may give people the benefit of the doubt, but do not doubt your eyes and ears when they use that benefit to make things better only for themselves. 

Fennec’s problem had been that she was desperate to get away from the Mandalorian. She knew about his experience and reputation and she was worried that he would bring her in cold. But she forgot to pay attention to Calican. While she was giving him a reason to go after the Mandalorian she was also selling herself short. 

She hadn’t followed her own advice. She should have been making a deal for herself so she could survive. Instead she made a deal that that hinged on a inexperienced punk kid being grateful to her. Instead he was just greedy for more. After all, even if he couldn’t bring in the Mandalorian, bringing in Fennec Shand wasn’t nothing.

Grogu sighed. Fennec was alive and Toro Calican’s body had been left somewhere in the Dune Sea. The Mandalorian had tricked the trickster. Fennec became a good friend to Grogu and his Mandalorian protector. They all proved who they were through their actions, regardless of the words any of them had said that day so long ago on Tatooine. Grogu supposed that was the best deal any of them could make. 

Fennec Shand sitting near a mesa on Tatooine at dawn. Image from The Mandalorian, Season 1, Episode 5, The Gunslinger. Caption reads: Make the best deal for yourself and survive. - Fennec Shand.

[imnotsurewhatimdoing89]

This is going to be a modern AU for hicctrid where they're gonna be highschoolers

Enemies to lover type thing

Hiccup was already late for school, As per usual though. Now, Hiccup was always late for school. His dad is at work by 5:00 A.M. Hiccup has to be up at 6 A.M

Hiccup is arriving at school and the bell already rang, but he still spots his only friend, Fishlegs.

"Hiccup! We're late, come on!" Fishlegs yells to Hiccup.

"I know, I know! Sorry, I slept threw my alarm!" As Hiccup says this back, he sees in the distance, Astrid who is always early, run into the school doors.

"Did you see that?" Fishlegs starts "Asrid Hofferson, late to class! Wow, that's new."

"Well, there's a first for everything!" Hiccup says in response.

As Hiccup and Fishlegs walk into the building, they hear a yelling from a distance.

"What do you want, Snotlout? I want literally nothing to do with you."

"Babe~ come on~ you know you want me, I mean, look at me! I'm everything anyone wants! And you're the hottest girl-"

That's all that Hiccup can hear before he hears a giant SLAP. Hiccup, looks around for Fishlegs, but Fishlegs had already gone to class.

Hiccup slowly sneaks closer. He knows he should get to class, but he's already passed every class with A+'s. Not like Stoick would care. All he cares about is leading as mayor.

Yes, Hiccup is the mayor's son. Why doesn't he have more friends? Well, as people knew him he was a massive disappointment.

Anyway, Hiccup looks over the corner and he sees Astrid's back, and snotlout holding his cheek

"Now you know not to harass anyone, Snotlout. You can't just make a girl- or boy say yes when they already said no!"

That girl really is scary, buuttttt she is pretty. The most pretty girl in school if Hiccup would say so. Astrid used to be friends with Hiccup. When they were in elementary school. But since Astrid got more and more popular, she stopped hanging out woth Hiccup for good. So Hiccup's only friends are Fishlegs and Toothless, his black cat.

He was so lost in thought he didn't even notice Astrid turning around and seeing him "what are you looking at, fishbone?" She says, in a way that just makes you want to bow down and just worship her.

"Uummm, I'm just gonna go now-" he starts to say, but Astrid was faster.

"Oh no you don't," she starts. She grabs his shirt and pulls him closer. "Why are you out here?"

Astrid is 2 inches taller than him. She has these icy blue eyes and blonde hair that make her look like royalty. She's better at almost everything. Exept school. She is still failing scince ever since her and Snotlout started dating. She has since broken up with him. But he's still trying.

Hiccup stares at her blankly. "I'm taking a shit on the floor. I'm out cause I'm late Astrid. I'm most likely getting a detention. And since there are cameras in this hallway, you are probably as well." Hivcup says, sarcastically. Hiccup, you little shit.

Astrid is now having sudden realizations. She let's go and looks back at where Snotlout is, and walks off.

But before she can leave Hiccups sight, the loud speakers say, "Astrid Hofferson, to the office please." Astrid turns around.

"God's freaking dammit!!" (Yes double !!)

This is part one! I realized I made this really long, soooo parts it is!

Part two

[salvadorbonaparte]

I learned that my grandma got contacted by the mayor of our town and he was concerned about all of the kids constantly coming in and out of her house. He was concerned that she was running an illegal daycare of some kind and grandma had to tell him that it’s just her grandkids. Only grandkids. He was surprised but decided it was okay. Idk what the average amount of grandkids a grandma should have around here. This was years ago But I went over to her house yesterday and it’s still overrun by kids but grandma’s as happy as ever and I wish nothing but the best for her

Oh wow where to even start. First of all illegal daycare??? That would be the worst concern?? Taking care of children illegally??

And then second of all lmao some people simply have big families. This has the same vibes as that post about someone calling the cops because of a suspicious car leaving and arriving at the same time each day and it was just someone going to and coming from work.

And third of all I'm really happy for your grandma! My uncle doesn't let my grandma see her grandkids which she's pretty angry about so there's just me and I'm an adult.

[creatuesfromthedeep]

Apparently Sector 42's narrative* is up to 72,988 words long, so if you want to read a book's worth of dragon fanfiction, check it out.

*not including supplementary worldbuilding lore lol

Some author's highlights below the cut!

"This is my beach, could you please just leave?" The pink maned gaoler's tone was long-suffering, which made the Unseer stop his music and laugh. They'd been doing this song and dance for little less than a week, he hadn't realized he was that annoying.

"Can't do that,"

"Why not?"

"Most other beaches don't have good company like this one,"

"By Shadowbinder you're irritating,"

— Two Boys

I'm still really fond of this piece, especially Sirel and Celozon's childish arguments. I like looking back and thinking "wow, you two have no idea how important you'll be to each other!"

-----

He did not question it, and started digging into the soft mud near the bank of the stream. He kept digging, even as the hole grew much too deep and it was starting to become something of a hazard; Abran stood at the edge, and she hadn't told him to stop yet.

Soon, the hole was big enough that Salenor could stand in it and it came up to his shoulders. He'd likely have to crawl out through the mud, even if Abran helped pull him out. At that point he stopped, exhausted and barely able to see under the moonless night.

"M-Mayor, perhaps we should come back to this tomorrow," Salenor tried to reason, but he couldn't see Abran's expression to gauge her emotions as she let the words hang in the air for an uncomfortably long time.

"No, it's quite alright, Reeve. This is deep enough, you can climb out now,"

Mayor Abran didn't help him scramble out of the pit, and his claws were coated with mud by the time he stood at her side. Now he was starting to have doubts about the purpose of this whole situation, and the hole looked ominously grave-sized.

— Report #000001

Probably one of my favorite scenes within my lore, I revisit it frequently when I think about Sal and Abran's relationship. Someday I'm gonna save up a bunch of gems or just do a USD commission centered around the image of Sal clawing his way out of the grave while Abran stands above him.

-----

"Holm, I've got a surprise for you!"

Inddrin slammed the door open, her booming voice like nails scratching a chalkboard. Holm fumbled the papers he'd been organizing and they scattered, and he swore to the Icewarden as he tried to gather them back up.

"What do you want, Warden?" Holm snapped as he fumbled the reports from Arorangi into a disorganized pile. There was no hope for stapling these papers until Inddrin was done with him, so he finally turned his attention to the Warden.

He started, when he noticed a young, unfamiliar Gaoler pressed against Inddrin's side who observed him with big, Lightning-blue eyes.

"Head Sentinel Holm, meet Apprentice Vorrutyer," Inddrin spoke with a wide grin, like she was in on a joke and Holm was the subject. He didn't like it, and grimaced in turn.

— Acclimation

Holm and Vorrutyer have one of my favorite mentor-apprentice relationships in my lore, plus Third Age Inddrin gets to be a menace towards her poor Head Sentinel.

-----

"Reeve, have you introduced yourself yet?" Labyrinth questioned, and the Wildclaw stuttered out something incomprehensible but clearly defensive. "Of course not. Herald Xyrlove, meet Reeve Salenor; he keeps this place running, for better or worse. If you're still having housing trouble, he's your best resource,"

Xyrlove turned her attention to Salenor, and tilted her head in a way she'd told was cute and non-threatening. "I am still having housing trouble. Would you mind helping me work that out, one of these days?" She batted her eyelashes and smiled.

By the choking sound coming from Salenor's direction, and the barely controlled laughter coming from Labyrinth, Xyrlove was certain Salenor was blushing and was about to become putty in her claws.

"Yes, if you'd-- if you'd stop doing that," Salenor snapped, his claws clicking against the floor in a tell-tale anxious shuffle. "I've got work to do. Councilwoman, am I still needed?"

"No-- no you're fine Sal," Labyrinth sounded like she was still gagging on laughter. "I've got this, go make sure the Mayor's eaten lunch or something," At that cue, the shuffling turned into a not-quite sprint as Salenor exited the conversation with the eagerness of a racehorse.

— New Year, New Problems

I just really love giving Sal a hard time. The workplace antics of the Third Age are so underutilized, and I should really go back and write more during that time period.

[fiberglassandflowers]

Tell the people about the letwos

alrighty! fair warning its not good in there theres some not good family behavior in there. under a read more its probably gonna be kinda long

okay so let me set the scene. its like the late 90s/early 2000s. trip just moved with his mom and sister to the suburbs around 6 ish years after their dad died. he's like 9 her sister is 5

pretty much the letwos moved to mary bell because of a funny little thing called laplace's inc. there's some stuff involved with that, but pretty much it's the heaven business and their mom deborah/debbie/deb is the worst and also the most catholic person you've ever met and you can probably fill in the blanks there.

when trip is around 13 he ends up getting really really sick with. something i dont really know what but its not good and its deadly and its not looking good for him. at the awesome age of 14 years old they're still fighting it and she thinks Hey you know what im gonna go on a walk. so he does and omg whats this whos that guy?? anyway its mortimer and it just kinda goes like

"hey youre dying right"

"......yeah?"

"ok what if i told you. that you didn't have to do that if you just shook my hand about it"

"what" "i mean i'll take your soul but thats no biggie right. i mean you'll stay alive you'll live the rest of your natural life" (<- they're like the grim reaper they can do that) "oh. yeah thats no biggie i guess"

[they shake hands]

"shit dude i forgot to tell you. if i take your soul you have to stay here in the town you hate its like this whole thing"

"WHAT."

"you can pull your hand away though i won't get mad"

"i feel like it would be too late now anyway"

"yeah lol"

its like this whole thing about 'would you rather die or live a life you hate' yk. oh also trip wasn't like totally completely hopeless either. he could have maybe lived through it [although the chances were low] and now she has to spend the rest of her life thinking about like, what if she didn't make the deal and he ended up being fine. lol.

okay flash forward its 2008 trip is 16 going on 17 [something something sound of music reference] and cotard [his sister] is 13. gonna go more in depth with this elsewhere but pretty much trip and cotard try running away from mary bell/their shitty ass mom. and like trip can't leave mary bell but technically he's never tried before and maybe if they go with someone it'll work [spoiler: it doesn't]

trip is like, kind of aware that it might not work out for him, but if it didn't she thought cotard at least could leave. and cotard doesn't either because she doesnt want to leave trip behind. there's some other stuff that i haven't mentioned but this attempt def results in some like stricter regulations around their house. they were already realllly sheltered kids [homeschooled, isolated from their peers, generally only taught what their mom wanted them to know] and this just kind of sealed the deal on all that

anyways then trip moves out like two years later and cotard's slightly bitter about that but understanding yk, like good on you for leaving but also now i have to deal with all this alone. cotard moves out as well a few years later and her and trip lose contact even more. she still lives in mary bell she just lives on the complete opposite side of town. i like to think that she gets out a fair amount though, like traveling and stuff [not for very long though since mary bell kind of does that whole moving thing]

honestly i really don't know enough as i should about cotard she's like fully fleshed out in my head but i really can't think of anything specifically about her. like i know she takes a while warming up to people, like quiet at first but gets louder as you get to know her [wow just like how the song goes from being quiet to being loud]. but i need to work on fleshing her out some more i really do

anyways. six years after trip moves out debbie dies and ohhhh haha that's so weird that she died of blood loss when the mayor is a vampire. thats so strange im sure those two things aren't related at all [they are btw vannie killed her].

annnnnd i think thats all? i feel like there's stuff im forgetting and i dont think this was as detailed as i was hoping but its at least the basics